I just emailed this to the taskforce (see Tourism and NSW national parks) and will send hardcopy tomorrow. As they've moved the date there's plenty more time for writing and hope this will encourage others.

The Secretary
Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks
GPO Box 7050
Sydney 2001

July 8 2008

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to your invitation for submissions on the Ministerial Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks in NSW.

Some time ago I was a tourist visiting Sydney and was introduced to a number of National Parks at that time. I now live in Sydney and make much use of urban National Parks in the area, and given the impression left from early visits make it a priority to take any out of town or overseas visitor to any parks I can. In addition to this when planning short breaks I will often include a visit to National Parks further afield, once again becoming a tourist visitor to these places.

From experience described above there are a few points that I believe should help visitation as part of your plan. These points are summarised first, then explained more fully after, I hope this aids your reporting processes.

So, to summarise:

• Better general promotion both on-line and in popular tourist spots.
• Examples of activities/suggested itineraries to draw visitors into parks.
• No visitor centres in remote locations – only the bare essentials, probably staff free.
• Public transport infrastructure to urban National Parks.
• No motorised activities.
• Equality of walking and cycling access on all trails.
• Update the cycling policy and make it more consistent across all parks.
• Better planning of tracks & trails.
• Return single track alongside existing one way firetrails.