My position on trail access, protection and development
Protecting what matters.
As someone deeply involved in hiking, safety, and public access to trails, I believe governments must prioritise the protection, maintenance, and integrity of existing trail networks over high-yield tourism developments that benefit a select few.
Australia has a rich and diverse network of walking tracks. Many are underfunded and in need of ongoing care. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to position national parks and wilderness areas as settings for premium tourism experiences, including commercial accommodation and guided-only models.
I believe that public land should remain genuinely public.
The value of trails to Australians
Access to well-maintained hiking trails supports:
- Physical and mental health
- Community connection
- Environmental protection through managed use
- Cultural respect and recognition of First Nations heritage
These benefits depend on access being affordable, inclusive, and sustainable. Public land plays a critical role in ensuring that nature remains accessible to everyone, regardless of income or experience.
Supporting sustainable trail use
With demand for hiking increasing, I believe governments and land managers should:
- Invest in sustainable maintenance of existing tracks
- Preserve self-guided, affordable access to public land
- Support low-impact, publicly managed infrastructure such as tracks, boardwalks, basic campsites, huts, signage, and toilets that protect environments while enabling access
- Resist development that introduces commercial accommodation or high-impact infrastructure into protected areas
- Support safety and education initiatives that reduce environmental damage and rescue incidents
Trail networks should be strengthened, not commodified.
Concerns about over-commercialisation
I support sustainable, low-impact tourism. I do not support commercial accommodation or high-impact tourism infrastructure within national parks and protected areas that alters their character or limits equitable access.
Some developments are presented as eco-tourism or inclusive experiences, yet function as exclusive, high-end ventures with limited public benefit.
This risks:
- Displacing independent hikers through luxury lodges or guided-only models
- Eroding the quiet, immersive nature of protected landscapes
- Introducing permanent infrastructure into environments set aside for conservation
- Fragmenting habitats and increasing ecological pressure
Economic benefit should not come at the cost of public access or environmental integrity.
Responsible alternatives
Encouraging simple, self-directed, and affordable engagement with nature builds stronger stewardship than replacing bush camps with commercial accommodation.
Tourism has an important role in regional economies, but it does not need to occur within protected areas to be successful.
I strongly support responsible tourism outside core protected zones, including:
- Regional and local trail networks
- Existing designated camping areas
- Privately managed or previously developed land suitable for accommodation
- Parks and reserves that can sustainably absorb visitation
Distributing pressure protects fragile conservation areas while still supporting regional economies.
Nature is not a luxury.
Access to trails should not depend on income.
Recommendations
Based on my experience in hiking and safety, I believe governments should:
- Commit to long-term public funding for trail maintenance
- Maintain clear boundaries that prevent commercial accommodation within national parks
- Tightly regulate high-impact infrastructure in protected areas
- Invest in low-impact infrastructure outside protected zones
- Protect and expand access to self-guided, affordable hiking
- Fund safety education and preparedness initiatives
- Support volunteer stewardship programs
- Ensure transparent consultation with First Nations communities and recreational users
Trail Hiking Australia’s approach to stewardship and information sharing is outlined in the Responsible Access and Stewardship page.
Information about how I maintain independence from commercial influence is outlined in the Funding and Independence page.
I believe the future of outdoor recreation lies not in building more for the privileged few, but in protecting and improving what already exists, for everyone.
Find out more at www.keepitwild.com.au
