QPWS celebrates 50 years of environmental conservation
- Queensland is celebrating 50 years of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) this World Environment Day.
- Crisafulli Government announces $1 million pest and management boost to protect Queensland's precious environment.
- Recruitment underway to boost park ranger numbers under More Rangers, Better Neighbours.
The Crisafulli Government is celebrating half a century of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) with a $1 million boost to improve land management in the State's protected areas.
The additional funds will support efforts to reduce weeds and feral pests in Queensland's national parks, supporting conservation and ecosystems for native flora and fauna.
The park management boost follows the Crisafulli Government's acquisition of an additional 8,700 hectares of new protected areas, including more than 6,500 hectares of national parks.
QPWS Rangers are the dedicated stewards of our State's most iconic and ecologically rich landscapes and have been protecting our rugged outback, lush rainforests, ancient wetlands, and sparkling coastlines since 1975.
The Crisafulli Government has committed to increasing ranger numbers an additional 150 and investing more in management of protected areas, with a $118m boost to Natural Resource Management.
Minister for Tourism and Environment Andrew Powell said what began as a passionate group of naturalists, volunteers, and forestry rangers has grown into a professional, science-led service of around 875 rangers managing more than 1,000 national parks and protected areas.
"Queensland's national parks are among the most world's specular areas of natural beauty, and that's why it's critical we protect and manage them properly," Minister Powell said.
"We're backing our rangers – and increasing their numbers under our More Rangers, Better Neighbours commitment – so that generations of Queenslanders and visitors can continue to experience the magic of our protected areas now and into the future.
"We're delivering on our commitment to protect Queensland's unique environments, unlike a decade of Labor failure when they failed to meet their own protected area target and mismanaged natural resources."
National Parks Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Chris Thomas congratulated QPWS on its milestone anniversary.
"For five decades, QPWS has been a dedicated guardian of Queensland's natural and cultural treasures, preserving our unique landscapes and biodiversity for future generations," Mr Thomas said.
"NPAQ is honoured to have played a part in the early advocacy for protected areas and continues to support QPWS's vital work in conservation and sustainable park management.
"We thank QPWS rangers, staff, and partners whose passion and commitment have shaped this incredible legacy."
