Queensland protected area increases with new Nature Refuge

The Palaszczuk Government is further increasing the amount of protected areas in Queensland, with another 34,000 hectares added as part of a nature refuge near Rungulla National Park.

This newly-added parcel of land at Gilberton Nature Refuge, located 130km south of Forsayth, adds to the more than one million hectares of land that has been added to Queensland’s protected areas under the Palaszczuk Government.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government has signed an agreement with landholders for the 34,000-hectare parcel of land to be protected as a nature refuge.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to increasing Queensland’s protected areas,” she said.

“This nature refuge will protect and conserve an amazing diversity of animals, plants and ecosystems.

“The beautiful property is home to the Gilbert River, has koala habitat, and has significant cultural heritage sites for First Nations people.”

The Palaszczuk Government has signed 14 nature refuge agreements this year, through the Nature Refuges Program, which gives landholders the opportunity to partner with the Queensland Government to protect and manage the environmental and conservation values of their land.

“Under this program, ownership of the land remains with the landowner, but the government provides for the environmental and conservation values of the land to be protected in perpetuity,” Ms Enoch said.

“Nature refuges like these are an important adjunct to our national parks and conservation parks in helping our wildlife survive and to adapt and build resilience to climate change.

“National parks alone cannot maintain the amazing diversity of plants, animals and ecosystems found in Queensland.

“I thank the Gilberton landholders, the French family, for their commitment to protecting and conserving our unique environment.”

Mrs Lyn French said the family was proud to be a part of the Nature Refuges Program, which has established 516 nature refuges in Queensland covering more than 4.4 million hectares.

“Gilberton Station has been in the family for eight generations,” Mrs French said.

“We’re proud to be seen as good land stewards, a family who are conscious of looking after the country and have high regard for land management.”

For more information on the Nature Refuges Program, visit: http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/ecosystems/nature-refuges/the_nature_refuges_program.html

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