- An additional $234 million will be invested over five years for waste and resource recovery
- $30.6M to expand protected areas estate through land acquisitions and $51.9 million will be invested over four years to improve visitor experiences and revitalise infrastructure in our national parks
- $38.6 million over four years for work with First Nations peoples
Protecting and enhancing Queensland's natural environment, supporting the continued move to a zero-waste society and strengthening First Nations partnerships feature heavily in the 2023/24 Budget for the Department of Environment and Science.
A further $234M has been committed over five years to continue the delivery of the Palaszczuk Government's $2.1 billion waste package to transform the waste and resource recovery industry, bringing the total five-year commitment to $1.35 billion.
This includes a $75.9 million allocation to support councils implementing regional waste and resource recovery management plans. This funding will also support councils and industry to build new infrastructure and equipment to improve their waste management and recycling outcomes.
Building on last year's record investment to expand the state's network of protected areas, the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to invest significantly in projects that will protect and improve our unique biodiversity and ecosystems.
The 2023/24 budget includes an allocation of $30.6 million to expand Queensland's protected area network through high-priority land acquisitions.
To help manage and protect the high ecological values of these areas and ensure they remain world-class tourism attractions, $51.9 million will be invested over four years to improve visitor experiences and revitalise infrastructure in our national parks.
National parks set to benefit from major infrastructure upgrades this year include Whitsunday Islands National Park, Girraween National Park, Daintree National Park and Bunya Mountains National Park.
An additional investment of $38.6 million over the next five years will continue the delivery of world-class management of protected areas and improve the management of Queensland's five World Heritage Areas – the Riversleigh Australian Fossil Mammal Site, the Great Barrier Reef, Gondwana Rainforests, K'gari and the Wet Tropics.
The 2023/24 Budget includes $38.6 million over four years for work with First Nations peoples across Queensland to progress agreements and relationships that promote respect, culture, rights, and co-stewardship of Country.
An additional $31.9 million over four years will allow the department to continue its world-leading partnership with the Quandamooka People to jointly manage the land and waters for Moreton Bay.
This will include new ranger bases on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), funding to develop and implement a new Mulgumpin fire management strategy and improving park infrastructure on Quandamooka Country parks and recreation areas.
Additional highlights from this year's environment Budget include:
- $49.9 million over four years to continue the successful Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program,
- $6 million over four years to support our crocodile management program, improve public safety messaging, and extend the Local Government Flying-Fox Roost Management Grant program to support local councils to manage urban flying-fox roosts, and
- $5.2 million over four years to continue our investment in science engagement and strategic international partnerships.
Quotes attributable to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"This budget continues our government's efforts to protect and enhance Queensland's natural environment and respond to climate change and other challenges.
"It also continues and enhances our engagement with First Nations peoples, particularly in the management of country as Queensland continues on its Path to Treaty."
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"The investments we are making through the 2023-24 Budget are not only great for the environment, but they're great for economy.
"Our continued investments to achieve a zero-waste Queensland will create a strong circular economy that drives investment into our resource recovery, recycling and remanufacturing industries."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Environment and Science Leanne Linard:
"The Palaszczuk Government's commitment to waste management and environmental conservation aligns with our broader vision of creating a sustainable and more resilient Queensland.
"The Recycling and Jobs Fund is pivotal to achieving our vision of a zero-waste Queensland and this year's Budget proactively addresses the environmental challenges associated with waste generation while fostering a sustainable circular economy.
"This year's multimillion-dollar investment into the creation of new national parks and improving our existing parks infrastructure is vital to supporting small businesses across Queensland and providing valuable employment opportunities for First Nations peoples.
"Around 17,000 jobs rely on the nature-based tourism industry generated by our breathtaking and unique protected areas which will be front and centre on the world stage when we host the Olympics in 2032.
"We are proud to partner with First Nations peoples to cooperatively care for Country across Queensland through a number of programs, including the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program and Cape York Tenure Resolution Program.
"Since 2015, we have handed back more than 890,000 hectares of land to First Nations peoples and this year's funding will enable us to continue to grow our partnerships with the rightful custodians of their lands."
