Curtis Island land becomes protected area

Queenslanders can now enjoy greater access and recreation opportunities on Curtis Island with the dedication of 2,900 hectares of protected area on the island’s southern end.

Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Andrew Powell and National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the Newman Government had been working closely to convert the former grazing property to protected area.

Mr Powell said the land was part of the environmental management precinct next to the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industrial site and had been purchased with funding committed by Curtis Island LNG companies as environmental offsets.

“This is a significant step towards the fulfilment of important environmental offset requirements as a condition of approval of the Curtis Island LNG project,” Mr Powell said.

“The declaration of this protected area represents a win-win for both the public and environment, as it adds significant portions of high conservation value land for the community to enjoy.

“It will add about 1912 hectares to the existing Curtis Island National Park and about 1,000 hectares to Curtis Island Conservation Park, increasing the protected area to more than 17,100 hectares.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said in addition the LNG proponents were committed to funding the management of these protected areas for the next 25 years.

“This arrangement allows Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to oversee management of the new protected area, recognising their expertise in land management,” Mr Dickson said. 

“The public will now have access to a previously closed track network and enhanced conservation management and recreation opportunities will be established, all funded by the private sector.

“QPWS has upgraded some of the property’s existing infrastructure and roads to improve public access in line with the Newman government election commitment to improve access to protected areas.

“The department will also focus its conservation and pest control programs on the island to protect the vulnerable nesting flatback turtle population and Yellow Chat bird.

“The additions to the protected area estate, plus the existing national park, conservation park and state forest, will see more than 30,000 hectares of Curtis Island preserved and managed by QPWS for the community to enjoy.”

[ENDS] 30 August 2013

Media contact: Lynette Keep 0419 620 299