As the long weekend draws thousands to the stunning Warrumbungle National Park, a storm is brewing over the NSW Government’s proposed increase in camping and booking fees. Local Mayor Kathryn Rindfleish is voicing serious concerns about the impact of these changes on one of the region’s most iconic tourism destinations.
Mayor Rindfleish, along with the Warrumbungle Shire Council, is closely monitoring an official ePetition circulating in opposition to the proposed fee hikes.
“I am hoping people take the opportunity to visit the park,” said Cr Rindfleish. “It’s a review on charges, so we are watching this closely.”
The national park welcomes around 35,000 visitors each year and is valued at an estimated $61.5 million in tourist revenue. It is also home to the internationally recognized Siding Spring Observatory.
The NSW Government defends the proposal, stating that ‘ghost bookings’—where people reserve spots and fail to show—are inflating costs. Officials argue the fee increase is necessary to protect and maintain these valuable public assets.
Despite these claims, resistance is mounting. The NSW Opposition, joined by survivalist and wilderness advocate Michael Atkinson—better known as ‘Outback Mike’—has launched a formal ePetition to fight the changes. Concerns are growing that camping fees in some national parks could skyrocket by as much as 600%.
Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson criticized the government’s approach during Question Time last month, stating, “The decision will put some of our most treasured natural assets behind a paywall in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.”
Anderson urged the government to reconsider: “The Government needs to go back to the drawing board and find better ways to save money than hitting hard-working families who are just looking to get out and enjoy nature.”
Upper House MP Scott Barrett echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of keeping National Parks accessible. “This proposal will put camping out of reach for many families, and that’s why I believe it’s important to support Outback Mike with this petition,” Barrett said.
“Some of my favourite moments have been spent with my family in our state’s iconic National Parks, and limiting those experiences for other families based on cost is extremely frustrating.”
Michael Atkinson, renowned for his wilderness survival videos, has been vocal on social media, encouraging the public to sign the petition.
“We’re hoping to gather as many signatures as possible to show the Government how much we care about our National Parks,” Atkinson stated. “Everyone should have access to the beauty of our natural spaces, regardless of their financial situation. This is something that will affect all of us, and our families, for generations.”
He warned, “If these fee increases go through now, they’ll never go back down.”
The ePetition also calls on the NSW Government to properly fund National Parks rather than relying on new end-user charges. It also urges the expansion of campsite availability to match current demand, ensuring that increased visitation does not limit public access.
With public opposition growing and pressure mounting in Parliament, the fight over Warrumbungle’s camping fees is shaping up to be a major flashpoint in the broader debate over equitable access to Australia’s natural heritage.
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