The Department of Environment and Science has announced that another 43,000 hectares of land has been moved so it is under the protection of the State.
Included in the project are additions to National Parks, including D’Aguilar (pictured), Lamington, Main Range and Oakview.
Acting State Premier, Steven Miles said the combination of Queensland’s National Parks, nature refuges and other protected areas covered 14.3 million hectares — an area double the size of Tasmania.
“This is part of our commitment to expanding and protecting our National Parks and Queensland’s great lifestyle,” Dr Miles said.
Minister for the Environment, Meaghan Scanlon said the mix of new and expanded nature refuges, as well as additions to a number of National Parks, had been formally dedicated.
“However, we know there’s more work to do, which is why the Government has allocated $262.5 million to expand and create new National Parks — the single biggest allocation in Queensland’s history,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It’s great to see this batch include a number of nature refuges, areas that Queensland landholders have nominated to protect the critical ecosystems, plants and creatures that live within it.”
The areas formally declared are: Ardgour Station Nature Refuge (Paroo), Boreen Nature Refuge (Noosa), Galaji Nature Refuge (Tablelands), Keysii Nature Refuge (Noosa), Mount Mellum Nature Refuge (Sunshine Coast), Mount Gibson Nature Refuge (Cook), Noo’s Creek Nature Refuge (Cook), Oakey Scrub Nature Refuge (Cook).
They also include: Weyba Nature Refuge (Noosa), Yourka Reserve Nature Refuge (Tablelands), Yurol Nature Refuge (Noosa), D’Aguilar National Park (Somerset), Lamington National Park (Scenic Rim), Main Range National Park (Southern Downs), Oakview National Park (Gympie) and Townsville Town Common Conservation Park (Townsville City).
More information on the environment improvements can be found in statements from the Government at Budget time at this PS News link.
