Tourism Tourists provide a significant economic benefit to the Gloucester area. Our proximity to the major population areas of the state, combined with increasing fuel costs makes the area even more attractive. The national parks and recreation areas, the beautiful farmland, rivers and well developed sporting facilities all contribute to the economic and aesthetic value of the area. It is essential that development in the future preserves these qualities. A legislative left-over from the previous centuries has given mineral extraction priority over food production and alternative economic and cultural activity. This priority is no longer as clear cut as in the past. Mining expansion and exploration if allowed to proceed in fertile and water producing areas, will jeopardise the economic and environmental basis of the Gloucester community. Such land-use is no longer compatible with 21st Century community and national need. Existing excavation must be subject to rapid reclamation, as far as this is feasible. Conversion of further land with food and water potential should be subject to 21st Century evaluation processes.