Let's End Deforestation in Queensland

Queensland's iconic natural landscapes are as varied as they are beautiful, ranging from lush tropical forests in the north to drier woodlands and open plains of the outback. With such a variety of landscapes, it's no wonder we have more species of plants and animals than any other state - many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Sadly, Queensland also leads the way in our rate of deforestation, with recent government data showing that 418,656 hectares were cleared in Queensland in one year alone.

We are currently campaigning to

  • protect 100 million hectares of natural forest and woodlands to preserve native wildlife and the special places we love
  • protect our climate for our health and safety, by removing hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon pollution from our atmosphere
  • protect our forests and woodlands by ensuring 100% of Queensland beef is deforestation free

We've launched the Queensland Forests Alliance, an alliance that brings together the Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society, WWF-Australia to advocate for the urgent regulatory and legislative reform needed to protect nature.

Land clearing in Queensland, 2018-21

Our new interactive map shows clearing hotspots around Queensland, with information about

  • how many hectares of forest and woodland have been cleared since 2018
  • what Matters of National Environmental Significance have been impacted (plant and animal species)
  • how much clearing was for pasture vs clearing for all other purposes

Explore this map, and then send an email to your Federal MP telling them you expect stronger action now.

Deforestation in Queensland in 2023

Land clearing for beef farming is the greatest driver of deforestation in Queensland. Clearing is concentrated in central, western, and northern Queensland. The primary driver of deforestation in Queensland has been the conversion of both mature (remnant) and regrowth forests and woodlands into pasture for the beef and sheep industry.

The latest government data shows that 418,656 hectares of forest and woodland were lost in one year alone.

It's not only wildlife that suffers. Loss of forests and woodlands is a significant contributing factor to climate change, because trees that are felled and break down release their carbon into the atmosphere.

By reclaiming our natural forests and woodlands we can preserve our iconic native wildlife and the special places we love, while also helping to heal our climate.

Mass deforestation exposed at Wrotham Park as featured on ABC's 7:30 Report, photos courtesy of the Wilderness Society:

Take action for forests today

  1. Upload a photo of yourself and your favourite tree to social media with the text 'This is me and my favourite tree, and it's #NotForClearing' and tag @scottstewartmp @leannelinardmp @markfurnermp and @qldconservation
  2. Email the Premier
  3. Read the latest reports or sign a petition by the Australian Conservation Foundation, WWF-Australia and the Wilderness Society

With the right systems and incentives, Queensland can start to reward actions that protect our forests and woodlands for future generations.

We are going to be campaigning hard in the coming months to show the Palaszczuk Government that Queenslanders care deeply about our forests.

Will you join us in protecting critical habitat for Queensland's iconic species? Please email the Premier today.