- More than 82,000 hectares have been added to Queensland's Protected Areas, including critically endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat habitat.
- The Crisafulli Government's 2026-27 Budget delivered $111 million to keep expanding the State's national parks and protected area network.
- A fresh start is being delivered for Queensland's protected areas after Labor's decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is investing $111 million in the 2026–27 Queensland State Budget to strategically grow Queensland's protected area network and ensure these special places are properly cared for into the future.
The investment will support the strategic acquisition of environmentally significant land while continuing the practical, on-the-ground work that keeps Queensland's national parks healthy, including pest and weed management, fire preparedness and improving visitor infrastructure.
As part of that commitment, the Crisafulli Government has added more than 82,000 hectares to Queensland's protected area network, taking the total area added since November 2024 to more than 259,000 hectares.
The expansion includes the new Dhuny Yumba (Home of the Wombat) National Park near St George, protecting critical habitat for the endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat.
Formerly Powrunna State Forest, the new national park has been strengthened through the strategic acquisition of adjoining land and now covers more than 4,243 hectares.
The latest expansion also includes almost 21,900 hectares added to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, more than 17,200 hectares at Mariala National Park, almost 2,900 hectares at The Lakes National Park, 4,723 hectares at Herberton Range National Park, 9,136 hectares at Eungella National Park and almost 6,800 hectares of new conservation parks.
Unlike the former Labor Government, which set ambitious protected area targets but failed to achieve them, the Crisafulli Government is taking a practical approach by making strategic acquisitions where they deliver the greatest environmental benefit while investing in the ongoing management of parks so they remain healthy, resilient and accessible for future generations.
The investment forms part of the Crisafulli Government's broader commitment of $139 million over four years, with $34 million ongoing each year, to grow Queensland's protected areas and improve visitor infrastructure.
The investment is part of the 2026–27 Queensland State Budget, delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland through a stronger economy, better services and responsible environmental management.
Minister Andrew Powell said Queenslanders expected practical action to protect the places that make the State unique.
"Queensland is home to some of the most remarkable natural places anywhere in the world, and it's our responsibility to protect them for the generations that follow," Minister Powell said.
"That's why we're taking a practical approach - protecting the right places, investing in looking after them properly and making sure they continue to support regional communities, local jobs and visitors for generations to come.
"This is about growing Queensland's protected areas sensibly and strategically, while making sure we never lose sight of the job of caring for the places we already have."
