Conservationists 'baffled' by LNP support for cows in national parks

Queensland Conservation Council has welcomed the passage of a motion in Parliament on Tuesday to transfer 12 state forests into new and expanded national parks but is concerned by language suggesting cattle grazing in national parks is a preferred option by some members of the LNP.

Queensland Conservation Council Protected Areas Campaigner Nicky Moffat said:

It was great to see the passage in Parliament on Tuesday of a motion ensuring new areas are removed from the Forestry Act in preparation for the creation of new national parks. During the debate on the motion, the Shadow Environment Minister, Sam O'Connor MP, pressed the Queensland Government to move more quickly in the creation of new conservation and national parks, sentiments we support.

But the speeches from the LNP team that followed Mr O'Connor were bizarre - they reflect Newman-era actions to allow cattle grazing in national parks. Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Deb Frecklington MP, talked about getting cattle back in national parks.

It was like winding back the clock to when the last LNP Government declared open slather for grazing in national parks more than a decade ago.

Protecting forests for all Queenslanders to enjoy should really be an issue of bipartisan support, in keeping with polling that shows 77% of Queenslanders want more national parks.

National parks definitely need additional funding for management to ensure these expanded areas have the rangers they need, but grazing leases aren't the answer. QCC is calling for both sides to commit to increased funding for park management.

We are calling for the LNP to release their environment policies, including their plans for expanding National Parks and other protected areas to reach the 17% target. We need clarity on whether grazing cattle in National Parks is part of the LNP policy for this election.

The areas that passed through Parliament are places like the much-loved Yabba State Forests between Nanango and Kenilworth, and the little-known Squirrel Creek State Forest which has delighted ecologists, bird watchers, and researchers with its amazing array of unusual species.

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