Threatened Species Day: Strategy and commitment urgently needed to avoid ongoing extinctions in Queensland

In 1996, on the sixtieth anniversary of the last Tasmanian tiger’s death, 7 September was declared National Threatened Species Day — a time to reflect on what happened to the thylacine and how similar fates await other native wildlife unless action is taken.

Despite having 955 threatened species and supporting the richest diversity of Australia’s plant and animal life, Queensland has no strategy to protect, manage and restore nature.

A 2018 Queensland Audit Office Report identified that a comprehensive conservation strategy was needed to meet the objectives of the state’s Nature Conservation Act. The report also suggested that the actual number of threatened species was likely to be
higher and that Queensland’s efforts in managing threatened species lack purpose, direction and coordination.

“The findings of the Queensland Audit Office cannot be ignored and we urgently need to invest in protecting nature before more wildlife becomes extinct.” says QCC Protected Areas Program Coordinator, Andrew Picone.

“Queensland's rare and endangered wildlife continues to be increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, uncontrolled fire, weeds, feral animals and climate change.”

“I can’t imagine a Queensland without koalas, quolls, cassowaries and dugongs. That’s not the Queensland I want to live in and it’s not one most people will want to visit.”

“We need strong laws, a clear strategy and a world leading network of protected, connected and well managed landscapes to safeguard Queensland’s wildlife.”

“Current and future Queensland governments must commit to delivering a comprehensive biodiversity strategy to reverse the decline in wildlife and protect more
of our unique landscapes and ecosystems.” says Picone.

Andrew Picone,
Protected Areas Program Coordinator, Queensland Conservation Council
0457 798 359