New National Park for Qld
Local conservationists have welcomed the announcement from Minister for Environment Leanne Linard of a new national park near Hughenden.
North Queensland Conservation Council Coordinator Crystal Falknau said:
"It's great to see one of north Queensland's hidden gems getting the attention it needs.
"These places are really important, culturally as well as for biodiversity conservation. Natural assets attract people to our region and we love to see our national parks celebrated."
Queensland Conservation Council Protected Areas Campaigner Nicky Moffat said:
"The creation of this new national park will ensure a variety of endangered and under-reserved ecosystems are protected: stunning woodlands, wetlands, riverine corridors and habitat for the threatened Northern Greater Glider.
"Future generations will be proud to know Queensland is growing its national parks estate, increasing the representation of endangered ecosystems in our protected areas network.
"We celebrate this innovative and collaborative approach, and congratulate all organisations involved in the acquisition of land to create this important new national park."
An additional 12,500 hectares have been added to six existing national parks this year:
- Home Vale National Park near Mackay
- Great Sandy National Park, from Noosa North Shore to east of Bundaberg and including K’gari
- Wrattens National Park, near Gympie
- Pinnacles National Park, south-west of Townsville
- Castle Tower National Park, south of Gladstone
National Parks for Life
Queensland stands to be Australia's most diverse state and has been globally recognised for its impressive and significant levels of biodiversity, holding five of the world's heritage listed areas. Its ecosystems and species, however, are under threat from a range of anthropogenic factors such as habitat loss, invasive species, and our changing climate. In order to safeguard the future of Queensland's natural areas, we ask you to add your voice in advocating for greater and stronger governmental action.