In 1960 my grandfather Frank took a leap of faith and left his homeland of Italy for North Queensland. He saw Queensland as a land of opportunity. Over 60 years later, my family still believes Queensland is a land of opportunity. Our Government is working hard to ensure these opportunities continue today. We are delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland ...News and updates
Queensland National Parks expanded in boost to protected areas
The Queensland 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 Queensland 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 Queensland 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.
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."