A former NSW National Parks ranger has joined the growing opposition to the state government’s proposed overhaul of campground pricing, raising concerns that higher fees could push many Australian families away from nature.
According to an article by Yahoo News, Louise Andersen, a wildlife advocate and former NPWS ranger, worries the plan will lead to a “really unfair” system, disconnecting families from the outdoors simply because they can’t afford to camp.
While the public consultation period has ended, opposition continues to mount, led by outdoor filmmaker Mike Atkinson, also known as Outback Mike, whose parliamentary petition to “keep camping affordable” has already gathered more than 10,200 signatures.
Andersen initially wanted to remain anonymous but has since gone on the record, sharing her concerns publicly and with Atkinson directly.
“Since the proposal was announced, I’ve spoken to several former NPWS (National Park and Wildlife Service) colleagues, and the consensus is clear,” she wrote to him. “There is no support for the fee increases.”
Even after leaving the Parks service, Andersen actively promotes Australia’s natural gems on social media under the name @ranger_louie.
“We’re in this line of work because we care deeply about the outdoors, biodiversity, and protecting country,” she said.
“Unfortunately the proposed price hikes risk undermining this mission… If access becomes unaffordable for most, we risk alienating the very people we’re trying to engage,” she added.
She warned that higher camping fees will “both negatively affect both visitor experience and the attitudes towards the parks.”
The pricing overhaul proposes six tiers, pegged to inflation with seasonal price variations.
While simple, facility-free clearings would remain free, tiers two through five—which make up 85 per cent of campsites—would range from $22 to $65 per night in high season.
Premium tier six campsites, which include hot showers and BBQ facilities, would cost $89 per night.
Authorities say the changes could simplify pricing by eliminating surcharges for group bookings, but critics argue that popular sites—especially around Sydney—will become materially more expensive during peak periods.
Speaking on Atkinson’s podcast, Andersen described how families could be priced out of nature.
“You can imagine a young family from Sydney who want to go on a holiday for a week during school holidays. They drive six hours to Coonabarabran … a whole week worth of camping, there’s the cost of fuel to get there, the cost of food … all of that really adds up … you may as well book a trip to Bali,” she said.
Atkinson’s petition has been acknowledged in state parliament by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, but he is pushing for a formal debate by MPs.
Once a petition surpasses 20,000 signatures, it must be raised in parliament. He is backed by Nationals MP Scott Barrett, who said national parks should be “accessible to as many people as possible.”
“They’re everyone’s assets, not just the top echelon,” Barrett told Yahoo News. “Everyone should be able to get into a national park, stay there the night, light a fire, roll out a swag and enjoy some of the best country that this state has to offer.”
Barrett, who recently spent six months traveling around Australia with his family in a camper trailer, called the issue “personal.” “We should be encouraging people to get out into these areas, not making it out of reach of a lot of people,” he said.
For NSW residents interested in supporting the campaign, Atkinson’s petition remains open for signatures until August 21.
According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, more than 200,000 campers and park visitors were consulted during the development of the proposal.
“Further community feedback will help the NSW Government to decide on next steps and whether proposed changes are adopted and implemented,” its website states.
This debate carries significant implications for the campground industry. A move toward higher, tiered pricing could alter consumer demand, impact campground occupancy, and affect private operators who may either benefit from overflow or face competition from public parks.