Transfer of state land near Mackay to protect native breeding habitats

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace has today announced the expansion of the Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve near Mackay.

Mr Wallace said the addition of eleven hectares of state land to the existing reserve will ensure the protection of more of the region’s bird and fish breeding habitats along the Pioneer River.

“The Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve is an important wetland area, home to a significant wader bird and fish breeding habitat,’’ Mr Wallace said.

“The Bligh Government allocated approximately 46 hectares of land as a reserve two years ago, to protect the unique biodiversity and conservation values of the area.

“This additional transfer of 11 hectares of land is a further boost to the local environment, and will ensure it can be effectively managed as part of the larger environmental reserve.”

Mackay Regional Council has accepted trusteeship of the additional land, immediately east of the existing reserve, allowing the Department of Natural Resources and Water to formally include it in the reserve.

Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, welcomed the move and said there was significant support from the community for this to happen.

“I would like to thank the residents of the Mackay community for their input as this has helped protect the environmental values of this land,’’ Mr Mulherin said.

“By protecting land such as this we are ensuring our wonderful environment is secure for the enjoyment of future generations.

“This is another example of the Bligh Government and the community working together to achieve our Q2 goal of a greener Queensland for tomorrow.”

Minister Wallace said that Mackay Regional Council, together with the community and technical experts, would develop a management plan for the entire site over coming months to help ensure the on-going protection of the shorebird roost sites and the conservation of native biodiversity.

“23 species of marine plants have been registered in the Sandfly Creek site,” Mr Wallace said.

“Signage will also be put in place to increase awareness about the values of the site and the importance of the shorebird habitat.”

Minister Wallace said the Bligh Government was working to identify opportunities for protection of the environment right across Queensland.

“The Department of Natural Resources and Water is currently assessing more than 19,000 parcels of unallocated state land across Queensland – totalling over one million hectares – to identify and protect areas with high conservation values,” Mr Wallace said.

“Under this program we are already delivering benefits for the protection of endangered animals and ecosystems, with land being transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in all parts of the state.”

In southern Queensland:

• 53 lots of unallocated state land, totalling more than 16,300 hectares, are being transferred to the EPA.
• This transfer will ensure the protection of internationally significant listed wetland near Cunnamulla and endangered and of-concern ecosystems north of Toowoomba which are home to the vulnerable black breasted button quail.

In central Queensland:

• 9 lots of unallocated state land, covering 4,000 hectares have been transferred to the EPA.
• This transfer will extend wildlife corridors; protect scenic integrity; and to protect rare plants and the endangered Proserpine rock-wallaby in the Mackay area.

In Northern Queensland:

• 29 lots of unallocated state land, covering 7,300 hectares are being transferred to the EPA.
• This includes land around the Halifax Bay Wetlands and the Hervey Range scenic rim near Townsville. The transfer is helping to connect remnant ecosystems and protect endangered fauna such as the black-throated finch.

“These transfers are prime examples of the Bligh Government protecting the environment today and securing a greener Queensland for tomorrow,” Mr Wallace said.

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.