Liberals call on Labor to increase park ranger numbers

The State Liberals have called on the Weatherill Labor Government to commit to increasing the number of park rangers.

The State Liberals have called on the Weatherill Labor Government to commit to increasing the number of park rangers.

Today is World Environment Day – an annual event to encourage awareness and action for the environment.

South Australia is home to 343 parks that span across 21,071,663 hectares and make up 21.5 per cent of our State.

These large areas require adequate care, protection and management.

However, under Premier Weatherill and Labor, the number of park rangers has been slashed to less than 90, down from hundreds in previous years.

During the recent State Election campaign, the State Liberals committed to providing almost $1 million per year to increase our park rangers.

The State Liberals’ commitment would have provided up to 12 new park rangers.

"Park rangers are vital in preserving our parks and ensuring that visitors see the best our parks have to offer," said Shadow Environment Minister Michelle Lensink.

"I’m calling on the Weatherill Labor Government to match our election commitment to increasing the number of park rangers.

"With the State Budget being handed down in 14 days’ time, environmental groups and sectors cannot afford further budget cuts.

"It is important that our parks system is protected, our metropolitan coast areas are supported and our environmental managers are empowered to continue caring for our precious resource."