- Crisafulli Government bolsters Queensland's growing protected area estate with expansion of Central Queensland national park.
- Almost 2000 hectares of environmentally significant land has been added to Narrien Range National Park near Clermont to protect the area's unique geology and ecosystem.
- New conservation area safeguards environmentally significant land for all Queenslanders to enjoy.
- Expansion supports commitment to grow conservation areas after the former Labor Government's broken promises during their decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is boosting Queensland's environmental credentials with the expansion of a large conservation area in Central Queensland.
The strategic acquisition, which is the size of about 2000 Suncorp Stadium fields, is part of more than 10,900 hectares the Crisafulli Government has safeguarded for conservation already in its first 11 months.
Almost 2000 hectares of environmentally significant land has been added to Narrien Range National Park near Clermont to protect the area's unique geology and ecosystem.
This area is habitat for rare and threatened native species including yakka skinks, squatter pigeons, greater gliders, and koalas.
Queensland's terrestrial protected areas, including nature refuges, cover more than 14.8 million hectares.
Labor's decade of decline was full of empty promises, including one to protect 17 per cent of Queensland.
In contrast, the Crisafulli Government will add more land to Queensland's protected areas over four years, than the previous government managed over 10.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was committed to increasing Queensland's protected areas and would deliver what Labor could not.
"This Crisafulli Government has committed to expanding the protected area estate and I am pleased to advise that we are continuing to deliver on our promise," Minister Powell said.
"Queensland has an incredible natural environment and this expansion protects what makes our State so unique."
"We want every generation of Queenslanders - today and the future - to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural environment.
"We're delivering one of the biggest boosts to environmental management in Queensland's history and our More Rangers, Better Neighbours commitment will ensure protected areas are well cared for."
The expanded National Park now includes important geological features like sandstone escarpments, as well as remnant vegetation, and Narrien Spring - an important water source for wildlife.
Chris Thomas, CEO of the National Parks Association of Queensland, said every hectare of land added to Queensland's national park network was a gift to the future.
"Queensland is home to some of the most extraordinary natural areas in the world, and we have a responsibility to protect them," Mr Thomas said.
"This latest acquisition means more habitat for native species and more opportunities to protect cultural heritage.
"Narrien Range National Park's expansion is particularly important as it shows a commitment to enlarging the estate outside the more populated areas of Queensland, offering more incredible landscapes for Queenslanders and visitors to experience and enjoy," Mr Thomas said.
