Queensland National Parks expanded in boost to protected areas
- Nearly 9,000 hectares have been added to Queensland's national parks and nature refuges, including 6,000 hectares within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
- Five former forest reserves have been upgraded, and 18 new nature refuges established.
- The expansion is in line with the Crisafulli Government's key election commitment to grow Queensland's protected areas after the former Government failed to deliver on promised targets.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major expansion to protected areas across Queensland's World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and national parks, with 9,000 Suncorp Stadiums worth of land officially acquired under the new Government.
The addition of more than 8,700 hectares to Queensland's national parks and nature refuges will secure more protected areas for the State's endangered species, the Wet Tropics ecosystems, biodiversity and threatened flora.
As part of delivering a fresh start for Queensland, the Crisafulli Government has expanded the State's national park conservation area more than 6,550 hectares.
Another 2,150 hectares are being added to nature refuges across the State, which are areas of private land that are subject to agreements that protect significant conservation values in perpetuity.
The Crisafulli Government is also focussed on improving the management of protected areas, with an additional 150 Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, and a $118 million boost to support habitat restoration and conservation projects.
The former Labor Government failed to keep their promises to maintain or grow protected areas, leaving Queensland's proportion of conservation land to fall to the lowest in the nation.
Growing the area of protected ecosystems also paves the way for new ecotourism opportunities, while supporting local economies through responsible nature-based experiences.
The new protected areas include:
- Adding 5954.6 hectares to Malbon Thompson Range National Park, southeast of Cairns, in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
- Expanding Tully Falls National Park by 45.5 ha.
- Growing 430.6 ha Curtis Island National Park, off Gladstone.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was committed to expanding protected areas to provide critical habitats for native species such as the koala and powerful owl, while providing more opportunities for Queenslanders to enjoy the State's spectacular environments.
"We are on the cusp of major announcements for Queensland's protected areas," Premier Crisafulli said.
"We are protecting more of the environments that make our State unique, from the Gold Coast to the Cape and the Outback, not just for visitors now, but also for future generations of Queenslanders.
"We'll work with private landowners to preserve some of Queensland's most critical ecosystems so together we can enhance our State's incredible natural resources."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the enhanced protections were part of the Government's plan to deliver growth and improved management of protected areas.
"Labor's actions on conservation failed to match their words, but we're getting on with the job of protecting our environment so Queenslanders and visitors can enjoy it for generations to come," Minister Powell said.
"Labor was happy to hide behind red tape and bureaucratic planning, but not us – we're already working with landholders to expand protected areas."
