"Today, as the official launch of the International Year of Ecotourism, has provided the perfect opportunity for the Australian Democrats to launch our Ecotourism Platform," said leader Mike Elliott today.

"The Democrats were the first South Australian political party to issue an Ecotourism policy in 1993, and at the time it was ridiculed by the media.

"Yet nine years later, here we are at the launch of the Year of Ecotourism.

"This is another example of how the Democrats’ commitment to economic, environmental and social bottom-lines continues enables us to look to the future and develop a vision for South Australia.

"Yet there has been insufficient support to Ecotourism by the Liberal Government.

"The recent bi-partisan committee report into Ecotourism found that the State Liberal Government has let Ecotourism lag behind the rest of the nation, which continues to cost this state money and jobs.

"The Report also found that South Australia has a disproportionately low recognition for Ecotourism and lower participation rates relative to other states.

"However, our Ecotourism platform will turn this around (see attached)."

• Garden Island Dolphin Park: The Democrats will establish a world standard Ecotourism Park by restoring the old Quarantine Buildings on Garden Island and developing an international ecological protection zone.
• Clusters: South Australia has already established several world class tourism regions based on natural and historical attractions. Ecotourism clusters will be expanded to cover all South Australian regions so that more visitors come to our state and stay longer.
• Regional Traineeships: The Democrats will trial a group traineeship scheme in regional areas to provide qualified employees and improve career pathways in Ecotourism.
• Accreditation: We will provide assistance for new businesses to meet national Ecoutourism accreditation standards.
• Indigenous Tourism: A project officer will be co-appointed within Tourism SA and the NP&WS to develop indigenous tourism opportunities in South Australia.
• National Parks: Funding will be increased to our national parks to prepare and protect them from the increased demand from Ecotourism as well as accelerate Park Management Plans.
• Regional Rivers: The Democrats will urgently address pollution problems in regional rivers, particularly in important tourist regions like the Barossa Valley and Victor Harbor.
• Visitor Education: The Democrats will increase the information available to international tourists about the beauty and dangers of our natural environment.
• Pastoral Leases: We will make changes to the pastoral Land Act to allow Ecotourism on pastoral leases.