CHANGES to the principles that guide the management of national
parks INTRODUCED in the Forestry Act 1959 during a period of
Coalition government, for over 50 years national parks have been
managed according to a specific objective called the cardinal
principle: To provide, to the greatest possible extent, for the
permanent preservation of the area's natural condition and the
protection of the area's cultural resources and values. The
State Government defines natural condition as protection from
human interference - allowing natural processes to proceed. That
is, national parks are managed for nature first so that they are
available for public appreciation and enjoyment. This principle
is embodied in documents such as the Queensland Biodiversity
Strategy, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service master plan
and underpins every action within individual national park
management plans. An activity that poses a threat to this
principle - for example, high-impact forms of recreation such as
horse-riding, motorbik