Protection for endangered species in new national park near Roma

A number of rare and threatened species will soon find protection in a new nature reserve near Roma.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and Minister for Natural Resources Craig Wallace have announced that Glengarlin Station about 90km south of Roma has been bought by the Queensland Government for national park purposes.

Formerly a grazing property of about 2737 hectares, the area has remnant stands of brigalow and poplar box woodland, and provides habitat for plants and animals that are scarce and endangered.

“The land contains some regional ecosystems of concern and with low representation in Queensland’s protected area estate . Glengarlin will be a wonderful addition to south-west Queensland’s nature reserves,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service welcomes the opportunity to work with Glengarlin’s neighbours on fauna and flora surveys and pest control such as co-ordinated baiting of wild dogs.”

Mr Wallace said the property was bought with funds from the Department of Natural Resources and Water’s Vegetation Management Framework Assistance Package.

“Filling in the gaps to protect biodiversity areas of our state is an objective of the Queensland Government and on that basis the Glengarlin purchase takes on particular significance,” Mr Wallace said.

Among the species that live in the area are a legless lizard known as brigalow scaly foot or golden-tailed gecko, the woma python, rough-collared frog, painted honeyeater and the square-tailed kite.

The land will be progressively handed over but no date has been set for the official declaration of the national park.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 (Ms Nelson-Carr’s office) or Paul Childs (Mr Wallace’s office) on 0407 131 654.