BILLIONS IN THE BUDGET FOR ENVIRONMENT

National Parks and natural habitats across the State are set to receive more than $3.9 billion in funding over four years as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
 
The unprecedented funding package includes:

• More than $57 million over four years, to respond to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including to improve Aboriginal cultural fire management;
• More than $39 million over two years to improve the visitor experience across the state’s national park estate;
• Almost $68 million over four years, for environmental water programs and coastal environment protections; and
• More than $37 million over two years for new wildlife hospital facilities for Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

 
Minister for Environment Matt Kean said a record amount had been invested in the future of national parks and the way people experience them.
 
“Our national parks have never been more popular with a 50 per cent surge in visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Kean said. 
 
“This new funding will enable us to keep improving the national park visitor experience with new walks, lookouts, picnic areas and accessibility improvements to be rolled out across the State.
 
“We have some of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the country right here in NSW, and the Government will continue to do everything we can to protect and preserve our environment for generations to come.”   
 
Waste management programs will also receive almost $240 million over four years for initiatives that accelerate the State’s transition to a circular economy, the 20-year Waste Strategy and Plastics Plan, and the continuation of the Waste Less, Recycle More program.
 
“As we work to finalise our 20-year Waste Strategy and the NSW Plastics Plan, this funding will support our councils to manage their local communities’ waste,” Mr Kean said.