Queensland parks recognised as among best in Australia

Two of Queensland’s national parks have been recognised on National Parks Day by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as among the Top 10 Reserves of the Decade.

At a presentation ceremony in Brisbane today, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said that Diamantina and Astrebla Downs national parks, southwest of Winton, had been recognised for protecting bilbies, one of Queensland's most endangered mammals.

“I’m delighted to accept an award that acknowledges the significance and beauty of Diamantina and Astrebla Downs national parks,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“They are home to more than 195 bird species and protect plants and animals that are not found in any other parks and refuges in Australia.

“Endangered species such as bilbies and the recently rediscovered night parrot are found in the parks.

“This is testament to the parks’ successful management by QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) rangers and the local community.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the national parks were also culturally significant to the Maiawali and Karuwali people, showcasing evidence of past Indigenous occupation through rock art, burial sites, fish traps, rock scatters, hearths, rock shelters and scarred trees.

WWF Ambassador and spokesperson Claire Madden said the national parks were significant for a number of reasons.

“They are home to many rare and threatened species including the plains wanderer, kowari, migratory water birds, and protect numerous native plants that are considered vulnerable to extinction,” Ms Madden said.

“Bilbies were once common all over the outback but now they are in serious danger.

“If not for these parks, bilbies could well have become extinct in Queensland.”

National Parks Day marks the anniversary of the declaration of Queensland’s first national park, Witches Falls National Park, on 28 March 1908.

Witches Falls is now part of Mt Tamborine National Park and the total area Queensland’s parks has grown from 131ha to more than 6.6 million hectares.

“I’m delighted that Queensland is investing more on acquiring new parks and refuges than any other state,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Another $67 million will be spent over the next three years.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the QPWS was working to conserve the biodiversity of the state’s parks and forests, and provide practical solutions to environmental threats.

“I would like to thank WWF for this award and their continual work in protecting our native plants and animals.”

For more information on Queensland parks and forests visit www.epa.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Andie Gatti 3336 8002 (Minister Nelson-Carr’s office) or Dr Martin Taylor 3839 4361 (WWF)