ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the merits of the proposals as practical means of creating additional rural recreation opportunities in Australia. In many parts of the industrialized world, rural resources are under pressure as various interests pursue their claims to the use of the countryside. Rural groups, in particular, are vocal in their condemnation of proposals to acquire more land for national parks. In Britain, individuals and groups have long enjoyed at least de jure access to designated parts of the rural environment. For many rural landholders, outdoor recreation is seen as being incompatible with other forms of land use and the establishment of parks and wilderness areas is perceived to be sterilization of otherwise productive land as enclaves, within which management practices leave much to be desired. The creation of multipurpose countryside parks in the way, along with continued endorsement of the existing parks system, should satisfy public recreation demand, park authorities, conservation-minded groups and private landholders.
