8 Percent of Queensland Now Under Environmental Protection

More than 14.5 million hectares or 8.39 percent of the state’s total land area is now protected after 140 islands added to major marine protection area.

A fish swimming through the coral on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. William West/AFP via Getty Images

The Queensland government has significantly expanded the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which protects a large part of the iconic reef, before election season, to enhance the protection of endangered ecosystems and vital habitats, with a total of 140 islands or island parts added to the state’s protected areas estate.

The marine park supports a wide range of uses, including fishing, shipping, recreation, research, and protects the reef from damaging activities.

This acquisition has a combined total land size of 1,390 hectares and will help protect endangered and of-concern ecosystems and vital habitats for important species such as green and flatback turtles, seabirds, and shorebirds.

These expansions are secured through the purchase of leasehold properties, including non-operational leases, and land reserves adjacent to national parks, along with the transfer of ecologically valuable unallocated state land to protected area estate.

The move was welcomed by conservationists such as Chris Thomas, chief executive officer of the National Parks Association of Queensland Inc., who emphasised the pivotal role of national parks.

“These natural habitats provide refuge to countless plant and animal species, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction,” Mr. Thomas said.

“Protected areas serve as sanctuaries for biodiversity, crucial reservoirs of clean air and water, and havens for sustainable recreational and educational experiences.

“With the increase in protected areas in Queensland, we ensure the survival of these species and contribute to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems, while providing more natural spaces for the community to visit, learn about and enjoy.”

Boosting Chances of Species’ Survival

Queensland Conservation Council protected areas campaigner Nicky Moffat echoed his sentiments.

“From Cairns to Mackay and down to Gladstone, the Great Barrier Reef’s island and coastal national parks will now be more connected and this will help ensure their health into the future,” she said.

“Queensland has spectacular, unique landscapes and they need to be cared for. Well-funded protected areas are vitally important and it’s great to see leadership from this government towards the important goal of doubling Queensland’s protected areas estate.”

Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard said the government is spending $262.5 million ($US172.9 million) through its Protected Area Strategy to acquire more critical habitat.

“We are not about to rest—my department continues to work to identify other parcels of land that can be acquired and added to our already impressive protected areas estate, ensuring they are protected for the benefit of the environment and our community.”

Nearly 15 Million of Hectares Protected

The Great Barrier Reef Island Arks project complements the acquisition of the 1,600-ha Spadely Station on Curtis Island late last year, ensuring the ongoing protection of vital habitats.

That purchase ensured ongoing protection for Curtis Island’s estuarine wetlands, migratory bird habitat, threatened fauna species, and nesting habitat for the vulnerable flatback turtle.

Currently, Queensland’s terrestrial protected areas cover more than 14.5 million hectares or 8.39 percent of the state’s total land area.

Moreover, the government has earmarked more than 410,000 hectares for future inclusion in the protected areas estate.

The project also includes funding for the rehabilitation of the acquired areas. Demolition contractors are currently removing old, dilapidated structures, plants, and equipment from St. Bees Island.

This follows the clean-up of the former resort on Wild Duck Island in August 2023.