- Fire management will be boosted in national parks, state forests, and other protected areas thanks to an injection of $39.2 million in this year's State Budget
- An additional $31.3 million in funding over four years, and $8.4 million per year ongoing, has been allocated to continue the important work being done under the South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy
- A further $23.5 million over four years and $6.3 million per year ongoing has been allocated to also secured the implementation of the Threatened Species Program 2020- 2040
Enhanced fire management, community safety, and continued support for Queensland's threatened species to be delivered through the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation's 2024-25 Budget.
Communities and protected estate will directly benefit from a new $39.2 million Better Queensland Parks - Fire Management Uplift Program, including 39 new Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) positions to help the QPWS manage bushfire risk in a changing climate.
The investment includes $18.1 million to boost essential QPWS fire resources across the state, such as specialised machinery, equipment, and infrastructure upgrades.
As the second largest fire management agency and the biggest land manager in the state, this investment will help QPWS to increase planned burn and bushfire response operations across 14.5 million hectares of protected estate, safeguarding communities and conserving Queensland's natural and cultural values.
The Miles Labor Government is continuing its commitment to community safety and the conservation of Queensland's unique wildlife, through an additional $29.2 million over five years and $3 million per year ongoing, to support the ongoing conservation of dingoes (Wongari) and public safety on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), by delivering enhanced signage, public education, and more rangers on the island.
To preserve and restore crucial koala habitat, the Miles Labor Government has increased funding of $31.3 million over four years, and $8.4 million per year ongoing, to continue the important work being done under the South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy, including immediate and long-term threat management, improved mapping, monitoring and research, and community engagement and education.
The government has also secured the implementation of the Threatened Species Program 2020-2040 to protect and recover Queensland's most vulnerable flora and fauna, thanks to another major cash injection of $23.5 million over four years and $6.3 million per year ongoing to deliver critical research, conservation and recovery programs through collaborative efforts between government, researchers, First Nations corporations and non-profit organisations.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"I'm passionate about protecting Queensland's iconic environment and lifestyle.
"My first Budget as Premier is a true reflection of my commitment, including investment to preserve our internationally recognised national parks and unique wildlife and continuing our transition to net zero.
"One of my first acts as Premier was to announce new emissions reductions targets for the state, and now we've enshrined those in law.
"Queensland is home to some of the best natural spaces in the world, and this budget ensures these areas are protected."
As stated by the Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"The Miles Labor Government is injecting millions more into the environment budget this year for good reason – to secure Queensland's great lifestyle by investing in our natural and cultural landmarks and values," he said.
"This year's environment budget empowers the government to work in partnership with community groups, research institutions, environmental organisations, local governments, our thriving private sector and First Nations corporations to not only take immediate steps to care for our environment, but ensure Queensland's sustainability well into the future."
As stated by the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard:
"Community safety and protecting our precious environment go hand in hand in this year's State budget," she said.
"The new Better Queensland Parks - Fire Management Uplift Program is a demonstration of our commitment to not only grow our protected area system, but also ensure our hard-working QPWS staff have the tools and resources they need to safeguard our parks and nearby communities from the threat of bushfires.
"And we're not just protecting people – this year's budget includes an additional $54.8 million to support our ongoing efforts to protect our iconic koalas and other threatened species, and providing $2 million over two years to develop three pilot bioregional plans that are focussed on renewable energy, critical minerals and urban development.
"This year's budget demonstrates our commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe, while protecting our pristine environment and unique wildlife for generations to come."
Additional highlights:
In the 2024–25 Queensland Budget, the government is providing:
- $247.8 million over 5 years for the continued delivery of the 10-year $2.1 billion Waste Package. This includes additional funding to support South East Queensland, regional and First Nations local councils implement their regional waste management plans, and funding to improve waste and recycling performance and help Queensland transition to a circular economy and $131.4 million of annual council payments to provide financial certainty for 2027–28.
- $89.7 million over 5 years for the ongoing development and delivery of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy and Queensland Quantum Academy.
- $2.4 million over 2 years for the ongoing progression towards a World Heritage Nomination for parts of Cape York Peninsula with free, prior and informed consent of Traditional Owners.
