Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62[ 21 ] 6. Regional development Contributing to regional prosperity As the dust settles on the mining jobs boom, Western Australia needs to create other, more sustainable economic opportunities, particularly in regional areas. As part of the solution, the state would do well to consider the assets – spectacular scenery, glorious wildflowers and rich cultural and natural heritage – currently languishing on the proposed Ranger Parks. Ranger Parks could boost regional economies not only through ranger jobs but by employing regional businesses for the supply of goods and services, and facilitating new businesses, including tourism ventures and Indigenous services. Developing regional tourism Opening 5 million hectares of Ranger Parks could substantially enhance regional tourism. Nature tourism is already a major pillar of the state’s economy, and protected areas are the main basis for Western Australia’s tourism profile.22 They attracted over 14 million visits in 2009-10. The Ranger Park status of these properties could have powerful brand value – adding cultural and conservation significance to the raw appeal of landscape and nature. A 2008 analysis of the tourism potential of the proposed Ranger Parks in the Gascoyne Murchison area (by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre) concluded that many had good potential “in terms of spectacular and unique landscapes, cultural heritage artefacts and wilderness style experiences”.23 Their primary strength, the CRC said, is offering “a true outback experience”.24 The expansive landscapes, distinctive geological formations and the rich Aboriginal and pastoral heritage could combine to form a “unique product”.25 Ranger Parks offer tremendous potential to entice tourists inland. Currently, tourism is focused on the coast – in 2008 the Kalbarri, Shark Bay and Ningaloo areas attracted 110,000 visitors, but only 4000 - 6000 went inland.26 Achieving the tourism potential of Ranger Parks will require developing a wide variety of potential attractions, on and off the parks, based on wildflowers, wildlife, Aboriginal cultural heritage, pastoral and mining heritage, drive trails, geological features, Outback adventure and volunteer opportunities. Supplying goods and services Regional businesses would benefit from Ranger Parks. This proposal has a strong focus on developing business opportunities and local jobs. This includes a ‘preferred supplier’ policy favouring local supply of services, equipment and goods for work on the Ranger Parks. Apart from Indigenous ranger jobs, local work opportunities would arise from additional conservation and tourism projects. Fostering Aboriginal economic activity Ranger Parks can be a seed for future economic sustainability for Aboriginal communities. Skills and experience gained by Indigenous rangers would increase their capacity to participate in the external economy, and create more jobs and business opportunities in remote communities. Existing Indigenous ranger programs have frequently led to other economic opportunities, with about 40% of ranger groups delivering additional services on a commercial basis.27 Opportunities associated with Ranger Parks are likely to include ecotourism, fire management services, feral animal and weed control, cultural heritage work, and support for researchers. Potential contractors include government agencies, research institutions, tourism organisations, mining companies, pastoralists and conservation organisations. This potential has been enhanced by procurement policies. The federal government has a target of 3% of procurement contracts to be with Aboriginal businesses by 2020, worth around $135 million each year.28 Western Australia has also committed to fostering Aboriginal businesses through the 2012 Open and Effective Competition Policy.29