$111m boost to Queensland's protected areas welcomed

A new $111.3 million state budget commitment to expand Queensland protected areas estate has been welcomed by conservationists. 

The two-year commitment will see $57.8 million spent on acquiring new land for National Parks and other protected areas over 2026-27, with the remainder earmarked for acquisitions in the following year. The amount will include co-investment from the Federal Government under its Australian Bushland Program.

The budget also includes $15 million over four years for visitor and management infrastructure, $5 million to upgrade facilities in Springbrook National Park, and $2.5 million for ranger accommodation and facility upgrades. 

QCC Protected Areas Campaign Manager Nicky Moffat said

We welcome the commitment by Minister Powell to invest $111.3 million in our protected areas estate over the next two years.

This funding will be critical to the State Government achieving its commitment to grow our protected areas estate by 1.8 million hectares in its first term. 

We know that National Parks and protected areas are not just essential to saving our iconic native species and unique ecosystems, but are essential to the state economy as a major drawcard for domestic and international tourism. 

Queensland boasts the highest diversity of ecosystems in the country, it’s absolutely crucial that we protect as much of it as possible for future generations. 

The proportion of Queensland in a National Park or other protected area lags well behind other states and territories, with only around 8% of our landmass protected. 

The Crisafulli Government’s 1.8 million hectare commitment is the first step to bringing the percentage of Queensland in protected areas into line with other states, and making sure the wonderful diversity of the state is properly safeguarded for future generations.

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