Council wants to charge tourists for visit to the Blue Mountains

Tourists will be forced to pay to visit the world heritage listed rain forests in the NSW by money-hungry councils.

A tourist tax is proposed for the Blue Mountains, along side a raft of money raising plans, including asking travellers to donate to council coffers as well as rolling out more parking metres in popular tourist destinations, The Daily Telegraph reports.

A report produced by the cash strapped Blue Mountains City Council states that the cost of fixing ageing infrastructure that provides access to the “natural environment” was outstripping council revenue.

“The travel levy concept particularly identifies the day visitor group who visit the city’s iconic sites free of charge, utilise public amenities and put pressure on the city’s infrastructure with out making form of direct contribution to the city,” the report states.

A project brief has been given to “a number” of consultants who will advise the council on the best way to introduce any possible levy.

Tourism chiefs warn it will turn travellers away from popular destinations at a time when the economy is recovering after the GFC and a strong Australian dollar has made Australia a less attractive destination for international visitors.

Three Sisters Plaza owner Lesli Berger said the council had long targeted tourists installing its only $4.40 an hour parking metres at the scenic lookout and proposing to charge buses to park there.

“It’s a huge disincentive for families,” Mr Berger said.

Blue Mountains Tourism limited chairman Randall Walker said he did not want to tax imposed certain areas. “All those things have the potential to have a negative impact to reduce demand and visitation,” he said.

Blue Mountains City councillor Daniel Miles does not support a travelling tax but would make tourists pay $2 to get into Echo Point.
The Daily Telegraph, 11 November, 2009

By: Vikki Campion