Premier David Crisafulli has unveiled plans to expand Queensland’s protected areas and strengthen land management, aiming to better safeguard the state’s endangered species.
The initiative includes adding around 8,700 hectares to the state’s national parks, with roughly a quarter of that area designated as new nature refuges on private properties through agreements with landowners.
Though Crisafulli acknowledged the additions are modest compared to Queensland’s vast 172 million-hectare landmass, he described the move as an important first step.
“Increasing protected areas shows our commitment to preserving the environment,” he said.
The government has pledged to protect more land within a single term than the previous administration did over the past decade. As part of the plan, 150 new wildlife rangers will be hired, and additional funding will be allocated to conservation groups managing protected lands.
“It costs money, but failing to act would be a foolish investment,” the Premier added.
Tension Over Gas Exploration
The announcement follows criticism from environmental groups after the government opened tenders for nine new gas exploration zones, a decision some say contradicts conservation goals.
Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman condemned the move, arguing that the exploration areas cover more land than what is being protected.
Currently, only 8.59 per cent of Queensland’s land — 14.55 million hectares — is under protection, far from the government’s stated goal of 17 per cent.
“We can’t reach our conservation targets while continuing to grant mining and gas exploration permits across the state,” Copeman said.
When questioned about the compatibility of expanding gas exploration alongside increasing protected lands, Mr Crisafulli defended the approach as a balanced one.
“Gas will play a critical role in our energy transition toward renewables,” he said, adding that exploration would be limited to areas with minimal environmental impact.
Focus on Koala Conservation
The announcement took place at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, highlighting the government’s focus on protecting koalas, which are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT due to habitat destruction, disease, and vehicle or dog attacks.
“We have significant koala populations that are at serious risk if we don’t act now,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Of the 18 new nature refuges, several are designed to preserve koala habitats and establish wildlife corridors connecting to larger conservation areas.
Key sites include:
- 184.3 hectares at Quad’s Nature Refuge in Mackay
- 21.4 hectares at Rowlands Nature Refuge near Gympie
- 1,372.49 hectares at Parrattamow Creek Nature Refuge, northwest of Augathella
Koala advocates argue that development continues to destroy vital habitat, especially in south-east Queensland.
Rebecca Larkin of the Ipswich Koala Protection Society stressed the need for smarter planning that accommodates both human development and koala conservation.
“All the experts agree — if we keep this up, koalas won’t survive in this region,” she said. “It’s not rocket science. It’s urban planning.”
Looking Ahead to 2032
The government is expected to reveal its long-term tourism vision on Monday, with an eye toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Promoting Queensland’s natural landscapes and biodiversity is expected to feature prominently in the tourism strategy.
