Queensland's beautiful natural environment is being celebrated today as part of National Tree Day, and Queenslanders are being encouraged to get outdoors.
Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said National Tree Day was about recognising the importance of protecting Australia's native vegetation, and encouraging people to plant tree saplings.
"National Tree Day is the country's largest annual tree-planting and nature care event, and highlights the important role trees play in tackling global issues like climate change," Ms Enoch said.
"A hectare of 10 to 20 year-old planted forest can capture and store 10-20 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, depending on its location.
"Queensland has 51.8 million hectares of forest, representing 39% of Australia's forest – the most in the country.
"And since forming Government, the Palaszczuk Government has added more than a million hectares to Queensland's protected area estate.
"We recognise that forests, parks and carbon farming projects throughout the state are vital in our effort to tackle climate change.
"That is why the Palaszczuk Government has also established the $500 million flagship Land Restoration Fund.
"The fund is delivering projects that are increasing Queensland's carbon farming industry, increasing threatened species habitat, creating more profitable grazing enterprises and improving water quality."
Carbon farming involves activities that reduce emissions or trap carbon in the soil or vegetation.
Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government has also delivered on an election commitment to re-introduce strict laws that ended broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation, which is a major source of carbon emissions and a large contribution to Australia's overall greenhouse gas emissions.
"These tree clearing laws are making a real difference protecting valuable wildlife habitat and reducing the state's carbon emissions," she said.
"I encourage all Queenslander's to get outdoors and connect with nature this National Tree Day.
"Since National Tree Day started in 1996 more than 4 million people have planted over 25 million native trees and plants and donated 10 million hours of their time."
