News from Australia:

The Queensland government has given the green light for Eco-tourism Lodges to be built in a handful of the state’s most spectacular national parks.

And instead of 10-year licences, operators will be granted 20-year leases, with 20-year extension options.

Meetings are being set up between Tourism Minister Jan Jarrett, Environment Minister Vicky Darling, conservation groups and ecotourism operators to polish the fine points.

The ministers say targeted consultation will begin on granting permits to establish eco-friendly lodges in five prime destinations, after one on Moreton Island was removed from the list of six for environmental reasons.

Ms Jarratt says lodges in national parks have to be sustainable for the environment and investors.

“We sought expressions of interest to establish eco-tourism accommodation at six destinations throughout Queensland,” she said.

Operators said 10-year leases were not long enough to see a return on their investment.

“The proposed reforms would offer terms of 20 years with an additional 20-year extension option, instead of the existing 10 year option,” she said.

Ms Darling said detailed analysis of everything from environmental values, to access, transport and heritage values was carried out before one site, in Moreton Island National Park, was removed due to environmental reasons.

“Protecting the natural values and the beauty of our national parks was the number one priority,” Ms Darling said.

“This is about promoting our parks so more people can appreciate conservation while also giving our tourism industry a much-needed helping hand.”

But the Greens will be keeping a “wary eye” on the promises.

“We establish national parks because we realise that too much human interference can degrade the health of some of our precious natural areas,” said Greens candidate for Mt Coot-tha Adam Stone.

Link:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8381928/green-light-for-national-park-Eco-Lodges