However, local newspapers have said this is just a fraction of the money Mr Neale received from selling his story.
According to the Australian newspaper, the north Londoner received $200,000 for telling how he survived on bush tucker and slept under logs.
At the time, Mr Neale said part of the deal with Nine Network's 60 Minutes programme was that rescue services would receive $100,000 worth of advertising telling backpackers how to prepare for hikes.
He responded to the criticism by telling news agency AAP: "I want to state that what I do with that money is a matter for me."
The Blue Mountains Rescue Service plan to use the money to buy locator beacons and educate tourists about safety.
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