Queensland Government acquires more land to expand National Parks network

The purchase of around 8000 hectares of land near Hughenden, part of Pretty Plains station, by the Queensland Government will form part of the State’s newest National Park.

The land adjoins another property, The Lakes, which was purchased by the government in 2022 and will also be included in the new National Park.

Similar to The Lakes acquisition, the purchase of part of Pretty Plains was supported by a co-investment contribution from international philanthropic organisation, the Wyss Foundation, which was brokered by The Nature Conservancy.

The part of Pretty Plains acquired is known as the Poison Creek area and will add significant areas of underrepresented regional ecosystems to the protected area estate.

The Poison Creek area is in excellent condition as grazing had been excluded due to the presence of Gastrolobium grandiflorum (heart-leaf poison) for which the creek was named.

A rare species of giant burrowing cockroach, Macropanesthia intermorpha, is only found along Poison Creek and its immediate surrounding area.

Alison Rowe, Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy Australia adds “The Nature Conservancy, with support from the Wyss Foundation and the Art into Acres initiative through Re:wild, is proud to support the Queensland Government in the long-term protection of Pretty Plains.

“The purchase of Pretty Plains adjoins and complements the previous acquisition of The Lakes (35,300 ha) which contain stunning and nationally important perched wetlands.”

“The area contains a variety of endangered and under-reserved ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands and riverine corridors, and important habitat for the threatened Northern Greater Glider.”

The Queensland Government has also purchased around 250 hectares of land to expand Lockyer National Park in South East Queensland.

The property is surrounded on three sides by Lockyer National Park and was identified as a priority acquisition to consolidate the existing park boundary and to expand protected koala conservation lands.

So far in 2023, the size of Queensland’s national parks estate has grown by more than 12,500 hectares, including -

• Homevale National Park, south-west of Mackay, has grown by 4,970 hectares

• Great Sandy National Park, from Noosa North Shore to east of Bundaberg and including K’gari, has grown by 2,795 hectares

• Wrattens National Park, near Gympie, has grown by 2,280 hectares;

• Pinnacles National Park, south-west of Townsville, has grown by 1,760 hectares;

• Castle Tower National Park, south of Gladstone, has grown by 765 hectares.

As of 1st August 2023, Queensland’s terrestrial protected areas, including nature refuges, covered more than 14.5 million hectares or 8.38% of the state’s total land area.

QLD Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard noted “Queensland is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot, with 50 per cent of species who make their home in our state found nowhere else on the planet.

“Many of these species live within our network of national parks, conservation parks, special wildlife reserves and nature refuges, so it’s vital these areas are protected.

“The 2023/24 Budget included $30.6 million for land acquisitions to expand our network of protected areas. This investment is part of the historic commitment of $262.5 million made in last year’s budget.

“More than 14.5 million hectares across Queensland are now protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 in various forms. That’s an area more than twice the size of Tasmania.

“Protected areas are crucial in ensuring the future of Queensland’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity and we will continue to grow our protected areas in line with Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030.”

Susanne Cooper, President of the National Parks Association of Queensland Inc enthused “The National Parks Association of Queensland is delighted with the latest announcement of the expansion of Queensland’s national parks and supports the State Government’s efforts and vision for the continued growth of protected areas in Queensland.

“The Association is Queensland’s oldest non-government environmental organisation, celebrating 93 years of advocacy for Queensland’s protected areas.

“Since 1930, the Association has bought together people who share an appreciation for national parks and other protected areas.

“These protected areas play a vital role in conserving our unique natural environment, providing essential habitat for native flora and fauna, and giving everyone the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy our natural wonderlands.

“We look forward to a continued productive collaboration with the Queensland Government, to help grow, care for and connect people to the state’s protected areas.”

Image.The Lakes QLD