In reply to the Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (22 October 2025).

The Hon. PENNY SHARPE (Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage)—The Minister provided the following response:

There are 381 businesses licensed under the Parks Eco Pass program to conduct activities like tours, outdoor education and equipment hire in New South Wales national parks, those activities sometimes include staying overnight in a campground.

These operators must be able to accept bookings up to one year in advance to participate in tourism industry sales and marketing channels. For this reason, NPWS allows them to reserve campsites up to 365 days before the date of stay.

Reservations by licensed operators are restricted in size, location and timing. They are closely monitored and if most are not confirmed as bookings, their reservations are restricted going forward. The operators pay the public camping fees plus an annual licence fee and a percentage of gross revenue from their licensed activity.

The supported camping trial will operate in line with this approach. It has been restricted to 23 campgrounds out of 365. The goal is to encourage more members of the public to try camping without having to buy equipment and learn how to use it upfront:

The public is able to book 180 days before date of stay. Historically, longer lead times have led to more ghost bookings. NPWS is currently reviewing the camping fees and booking system with the aim of a simplified and fair system that reduces ghost bookings.

The ASSISTANT PRESIDENT (The Hon. Peter Primrose): I shall now leave the chair. The House will resume at 2.00 p.m.