I celebrate the incredible news that the Blue Mountains National Park remains the most visited national park in New South Wales. Last financial year my electorate's magnificent backyard welcomed a record 7.8 million visits, continuing to lead the State. Those figures are a testament to the enduring appeal of our World Heritage listed landscape and the deep pride my community takes in being custodians of such a renowned destination. As the member for Blue Mountains, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, I see firsthand how those visitors support local jobs, tourism operators and small businesses. Our national parks are a major driver of regional economic activity, providing families with affordable, world‑class recreation and fostering a deep connection to nature.

That record visitation is supported by the Minns Labor Government's significant investment of more than $54.7 million in the Blue Mountains. The funding ensures that we can manage growing numbers while protecting the environmental integrity of our park. We have delivered spectacular new infrastructure, such as the Grand Cliff Top Walk, which offers an unparalleled way to experience our cliff edges. Crucially, we are also focusing on inclusivity, with new, fully accessible pathways at Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap, ensuring that the beauty of the mountains can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their mobility. In addition to those visitor facilities, we are undertaking essential infrastructure upgrades to improve safety and ease of access. From parking improvements at Wentworth Falls and the Grand Canyon track to major roadworks currently underway at Mount Hay and Green Gully in the Megalong Valley, we are making it easier for locals and tourists alike to navigate our region.

Just a train trip from Sydney, the Blue Mountains remains the most accessible nature‑based experience in the State. The famous areas in the Blue Mountains National Park include Katoomba, Blackheath, Glenbrook, Wentworth Falls, the Lower Grose Valley, Mount Wilson and the Southern Blue Mountains corner. However, there are so many other incredible wilderness spots to explore, with lookouts, waterfalls, historic walking tracks, Aboriginal culture, adventure sports and camping. On behalf of my community, I extend my deepest gratitude to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service team in the Blue Mountains region, ably led by David Crust. Those dedicated individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, maintaining tracks, managing conservation and ensuring our visitors stay safe. They are the true stewards of our environment.

I also acknowledge the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, of which I am a proud member, for its committed advocacy and research to protect our national park. I encourage everyone to visit, explore and treasure our parks, but I ask that they do so with care. By following leave-no-trace principles, staying on designated paths to protect our fragile vegetation, taking all rubbish home, keeping our wildlife wild by not feeding them, and minimising the impact of camp fires, we ensure that this spectacular park in a World Heritage listed area remains a vibrant, protected and cherished asset for generations to come.