The significant investment was announced on World Environment Day at the newly upgraded Wentworth Falls picnic and car park area last Friday by Federal environment minister Peter Garrett and NSW environment and climate change minister Carmel Tebbutt.

Mr Garrett said it was great to make the announcement in person at one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes and one of only 17 world heritage areas in Australia.

“This new work will restore and protect the heritage elements to ensure the track will continue to provide an enjoyable and memorable visitor experience,” he said.

“It will also reduce visitor impact on the environment, especially erosion associated with the high numbers of visitors to the area.

“This is a great opportunity for businesses to supply the necessary materials and services for these vital works.”

Ms Tebbutt welcomed the funding and announced the release of the Strategic Plan for Ongoing Management of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

“It (the funding) will help to support much of the work already undertaken in the Blue Mountains in recent years, including the $1.5 million upgrade to the historic National Pass track,” she said.

“More than six years of planning, research and consultation has produced this document (Strategic Plan) which will help us to better manage and protect the world heritage and other values of the area in the future.”

When asked about her thoughts on the NSW Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks Report’s recommendations to permit tourism-related commercial services and facilities within national parks, Ms Tebbutt said the aim is to provide greater opportunities for visitors to enjoy national parks.

“We’ve made it clear on many occasions we’re not interested in bringing large scale tourist facilities inside national parks,” Ms Tebbut said.