From lessees to partners: exploring relationships between NSW NPWS and private visitor facility providers

The New South Wales (NSW) National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages over 600 parks and reserves, including four World Heritage Areas. In total, the NSW NPWS protects around 6 million hectares (or 7%) of the State’s land mass. It is estimated that NSW’s parks attract over 22 million visits per year and are a major drawcard for both domestic and international visitors. While historically many people’s experiences in National Parks have been based on an escape into nature and the avoidance of ‘commercial’ activities, visitors are increasingly demanding additional services, infrastructure and experiences. In responding to these demands, parks agencies have chosen to pursue select partnerships with the private sector to provide some these complementary visitor services. In NSW, the NPWS administers over 2000 occupancies by way of leases, licences, easements and contracts. These include around 600 sub leases in Thredbo and over 200 cabin licences. There are 250 direct concession arrangements with the private sector, local government bodies, telecommunications companies, infrastructure suppliers that are publicly listed on the website as these concession arrangements meet legislative requirements for listing on the public register. Primarily, these concession