Land for Wildlife celebrates tenth anniversary

The efforts of a Brisbane landowner to establish a small wildlife corridor on his property marked the beginning of a state-wide conservation effort that now protects more than 350,000 hectares of land.

Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Andrew McNamara said this was one of many fascinating stories highlighted in the Land for Wildlife Queensland Celebrating 10 years Commemorative Publication launched in Brisbane today.

“Land for Wildlife Queensland celebrated its tenth anniversary today at the first property that registered with them in the state,” Mr McNamara said.

“Land for Wildlife encourages landholders to preserve and restore the wildlife habitat on their properties.

“Following its establishment in Queensland in 1998, Land for Wildlife attracted 184 landholders in its first year.

“This year the number of registered properties is expected to exceed 3300, covering an area of more than 350,000 hectares.”

Mr McNamara said Queenslanders were showing an increasing commitment to the environment.

“Landowners should be congratulated for investing their time, effort and money to ensure Queensland has a healthy environment for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

Many property owners with voluntary agreements choose to upgrade to legal agreements such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s nature refuges.

“Nature refuges protect remnant bushland, native flora and fauna, corridors for wildlife and places of historical or cultural significance,” Mr McNamara said.

“Queensland now has more than 250 properties listed as nature refuges, which protect more than 550,000 hectares of bio-diversity, across the state.”

Further information on Land for Wildlife Queensland can be obtained at http://live.greeningaustralia.org.au/GA/QLD/OnGroundAction/our+projects/landforwildlife/

Media contact Emma Parnell 3336 8002