AGREEMENT TO KEEP WALKING ON THE WILD SIDE

Queensland’s peak bushwalking body has forged a historic agreement with the State Government to promote sustainable bushwalking and camping in national parks and forests.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs (QFBC) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering bush camping and bushwalking in protected areas.

“The MOU covers ways of enhancing bushwalking and camping both now and into the future,” Ms Nelson-Carr said

“It includes limiting the size of bushwalking groups, the requirement of group activity permits, campsite monitoring by federation members, and improved communication arrangements between QPWS and QFBC affiliated clubs,”.

“This agreement heralds a new era of co-operation for the two organisations.

“After 12 months of negotiations, the two parties have reached an understanding of the important role each organisation has to play in protecting Queensland’s parks and forests.”

The QPWS manages more than 11 million hectares of protected areas to conserve nature, biodiversity, cultural sites and scenery for the benefit and enjoyment of all sectors of the community. The QFBC represents 25 affiliated bushwalking clubs and 2350 members statewide.

To access maps of bushwalking tracks, book a campsite online, find out more about some of the bushwalking highlights in Queensland national parks and forests, and gain safety tips, visit www.epa.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004