On the 5^th of September 2007, a meeting was called for holders of NPWS Commercial Operators Licences within the Blue Mountains Region, to discuss a press release issued by the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water concerning a new bill introduced to State Parliament aimed at providing surety to tourism and commercial operators in National Parks.

In essence, the Bill itself is primarily concerned with broadening the Commercial Licensing currently in place for National Parks, to also include State Conservation Areas, Regional Parks, Aboriginal Areas and Karst Conservation areas. Previous to this legislation, Commercial Operators Licences were not able to be issued for areas other than National Parks.

In addition to discussion about the Ministers Media Release, the group also talked through the recently released discussion paper on Commercial Licence Review.

Whilst the period for public comment has now lapsed, the document is still able to be viewed online at

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/commercial_tour_licensing_review

In particular, the meeting discussed it’s frustration with un-licensed operators, and worked through some practical ideas as to ensure compliance.

There was also some discussion, and some clarification from the draft document, regarding when an organisation needs to be Licensed as a Commercial Operator, and when they only need a Consent issued from NPWS.

Some excellent information regarding this matter can be found on pages 5 – 8 of the discussion paper, and may be of interest in ORIC Members.

For more information, please contact

Tony Garbellini: Commercial Licensing Officer, Blue Mountains Region  
Tel:  02 4784 7317, or at tony.garbellini@environment.nsw.gov.au