- $600,000 deal adds 185 hectares of pristine habitat to much-loved national parks
- More than 14 million hectares in Queensland now protected
Two of Queensland's most popular national parks have expanded thanks to a partnership worth more than $600,000 between the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and the Foundation of National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW).
More than 185 hectares of undisturbed forest habitat has been added to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage listed Lamington and Main Range National Parks.
Queensland's Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030 supports the expansion of our national parks and other protected areas.
Quotes attributable to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon:
"I'd like to thank our new partners at FNPW for contributing $340,000 towards expanding these extraordinary national parks, which hold a special place in the hearts so many Queenslanders," Minister Scanlon said.
"The Lamington National Park addition is a pristine area of beautiful tall forests and rugged mountains and is habitat for a range of rare species of fauna and flora.
"One of the best parts of Queensland's lifestyle is our great natural assets like our National parks.
"This will mean more national park that Queenslanders can access for recreation like bushwalking and camping.
"My department had a long history of cooperative conservation management with Mr Ken and Mrs Jan Drynan who previously owned the property which is surrounded on three sides by Lamington National Park.
"Sadly, Mr Drynan passed away not long after the property was acquired, but with the expansion now formalised, a lasting connection has been forged between his family and park rangers who knew and respected him.
"The joint purchase of this land with FNPW completes a section of park near the New South Wales border and consolidates the park boundary.
"The addition to Main Range National Park has connected two existing sections of the protected area, which are popular for remote bush walking.
"The new area also includes pristine tall forests set beside the rugged and spectacular western escarpment of Main Range and features riverine wetlands of very high aquatic conservation significance.
"With these purchases, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on our promise to expand and sustainably manage our protected areas.
"We will also consider other privately owned properties with significant conservation values for addition to the protected area estate.
"My department will continue to work with FNPW and other conservation organisations to identify opportunities for co-investment in protected area acquisitions.
"We will continue to add properties to our estate that will help conserve Queensland's natural and cultural heritage."
Quotes attributable to Foundation of National Parks and Wildlife CEO Ian Darbyshire:
"The foundation is proud to be a part of the recent acquisitions, which is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect Australia's unique and diverse wildlife and national parks," Mr Darbyshire said.
"This acquisition aligns with our mission to expand the country's national parks and conserve threatened species for future generations.
"With over 50 years of expertise in park and wildlife preservation, FNPW will continue to work in partnership with government agencies, corporations, and local communities to achieve our goal of creating a lasting impact and positive change for Australia's natural environment.
"We are appreciative of the support of our partners and supporters in making this acquisition possible and look forward to continuing our mission of safeguarding Australia's national parks and wildlife for generations to come."
Fast facts:
The Palaszczuk Government has committed $262.5 million over four years to expand and sustainably manage Queensland's National Parks.
More than 14 million hectares in Queensland now protected.
