Mr WOOD - 2011-05-04
In Budget Paper No 3, under Parks and Wildlife, it says that an outcome for the Territory Wildlife Park is to provide a quality experience to visitors through the presentation of flora and fauna in a variety of natural Top End habitats and ecosystems. Further on it states that the outcome is a visitor experience that showcases the biodiversity of the unique environment of the Top End and promotes conservation initiatives. How, then, does that fit in with the statement, also in Budget Paper No 3, where it says there is meant to be an increased focus on Indigenous cultural tourism at both parks? Who made the policy decision to move away from wildlife to Indigenous cultural tourism? Is this not about, once again, academia taking over from the scientists, similar to the concerns I raised previously about the museum?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We had a review of the Territory Wildlife Park. There is no reason why we cannot do both. I have been there a couple of times. This government is particularly focused on working with traditional owners in managing the future directions of our parks. I do not have a problem with that; I believe we can do both. We want to engage traditional owners; that is a real strength. We can do the scientific and other things that the park has always done.
In relation to your question yesterday, member for Nelson, I believe I clarified regarding the funding and the budget figures in the books. We are the ones who are looking at the park and how we can further grow the park to make it an attraction, incorporating traditional owners. I believe we can do both.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We had a review of the Territory Wildlife Park. There is no reason why we cannot do both. I have been there a couple of times. This government is particularly focused on working with traditional owners in managing the future directions of our parks. I do not have a problem with that; I believe we can do both. We want to engage traditional owners; that is a real strength. We can do the scientific and other things that the park has always done.
In relation to your question yesterday, member for Nelson, I believe I clarified regarding the funding and the budget figures in the books. We are the ones who are looking at the park and how we can further grow the park to make it an attraction, incorporating traditional owners. I believe we can do both.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016