Queensland National Parks expansion includes additional 150 rangers

The Queenland Government is delivering a major expansion to protected areas across Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics and national parks along with an additional 150 Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, and $118 million boost to support habitat restoration and conservation projects.

8,700 hectares have been added to Queensland’s national parks and nature refuges, including 6,000 hectares within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area aiming to secure more protected areas for the State’s endangered species, the Wet Tropics ecosystems, biodiversity and threatened flora.

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.