67% of respondents confirming they had visited a Park within the past year, up from 59% in 2006
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Frank Sartor, recently released survey results which show the environment remains a top five priority for the people of NSW.
"The latest Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? survey shows 78 per cent of people remain concerned about environmental issues," Mr Sartor said.
"Significant increases in National Park visitation were demonstrated with 67 per cent of respondents confirming they had visited a Park within the past year, up from 59 per cent in 2006."
National Parks are significantly increasing in popularity.
"These survey results reflect the increasing importance of National Parks for holidays and family enjoyment such as camping, cycling, swimming, snorkelling and walking.
"Over the last 13 years, this Government has supported public enjoyment of our outdoor environment by expanding the National Park system from 4 to 6.7 million hectares equivalent to 8.4 per cent of the State," Mr Sartor said.
The report surveyed over 2,000 NSW residents to establish their environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.
Minister for the Environment, Frank Sartor MP, launches the report
Key findings include:
- The top two environmental concerns are now:
• Water issues - 42 per cent
• Climate change - 23 per cent (up from 13 per cent in 2006) - 86 per cent agreed the marine environment should be protected
- 78 per cent believe in climate change and of these 69 per cent support urgent action
- 20 per cent had participated in restoration programs such as Landcare or Bushcare
Mr Sartor said the report confirmed support for water and energy efficiency projects such as the Government's $700 million Climate Change Fund which has helped businesses, households, and schools save water and energy.
"Further evidence of these community attitudes is shown by the fact that more than 200,000 Home Saver Rebates worth $375 million have been taken up by families since July 2007," Mr Sartor said.
"These rebates have led to annual savings of 2.9 billion litres of drinking water, 215,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and $21 million in household water and electricity bills."
Download Who Cares about the Environment in 2009? at: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/community/whocares2009.htm