PESTS GIVEN FLICK IN NORTHERN NATIONAL PARKS

Pest-affected national parks and forests in north Queensland are showing signs of recovery thanks to the Beattie Government’s three-year $6 million allocation for pest control and fire management.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s (QPWS) pest-control programs were reducing the impact of weeds and feral animals on national parks.

“QPWS rangers have been working hard to control feral animals and attack problem weeds,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Their efforts mean that north and north-west Queensland national parks and forests that have been affected by pests are starting to show signs of recovery.

“Native vegetation is now starting to dominate and be self-sustaining in areas once affected by weeds.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said nearly $230,000 was spent in 2005-06 on eradicating pest plants and animals in the national parks of North Queensland’s savannahs.

She said the State Government was committed to winning the fight against weed and feral animal pests, which had significant negative impacts on the natural and cultural values of protected areas, State forests and other lands managed by QPWS.

“Fortunately, many of our national parks and protected areas have only minor problems with pests but in those areas that are affected, we are making good progress,” she said.

Ms Nelson-Carr said local landholders, who worked with QPWS under its Good Neighbour Policy to control pests, were integral to the success of the programs.

“Protected areas cover 4 per cent of Queensland and it is vital these special areas are kept as free from animal and weed pests as possible,” she said.

Media contact: Karla Steen (for Minister Nelson-Carr), 3336 8004
                            Marty McLaughlin (for QPWS), 4796 7790