An overwhelming majority of Queenslanders support the creation of more national parks in the state.
Polling released by the Protect Beautiful Queensland alliance reveals:
– 77 per cent of Queenslanders want to see the creation of more national parks.
– 71 per cent want to see the Queensland Government double the number of protected areas by 2030, with 64 per cent supporting achieving this by 2032.
– 94 per cent say they support national parks’ role in protecting Queensland’s native animals and plants, whilst 94 per cent also say national parks are important for recreation and our way of life.
Queensland Conservation Council’s Protected Areas campaigner Nicky Moffat said, “It’s clear Queenslanders identify with protecting our environment – which is both stunningly beautiful and globally unique,”
“It’s been welcoming to see Minister Linard’s recent acquisitions of Tonkoro and Melrose Stations near Winton, which will add nearly 200,000 hectares to national parks in the area. We need this momentum to continue – building towards the commitments that have been made.”
The release of polling coincides with the launch of the Protect Beautiful Queensland alliance – a new initiative of conservation organisations, the nature-based tourism industry, and the outdoor recreation sector.
Ecotourism Australia chief executive officer Elissa Keenan said, “Getting out into nature is a big part of the Queensland lifestyle, with 64 per cent of Queenslanders visiting national parks in the past 12 months. We also know that 77 per cent of Queenslanders love parks for their natural beauty, followed closely by 68 per cent saying they crave the peace and relaxation offered by nature.”
“Our national parks and ecotourism experiences are also a significant, positive driver to Queensland’s visitor economy.”
Outdoors Queensland executive officer Dom Courtney said, “Queenslanders want more opportunities to make connections with our great outdoors. Queensland’s national and conservation parks are critically important places for people to engage with nature for learning, health, fun and life.”
National Parks Association of Queensland chief executive officer Chris Thomas said, “From the rolling red sand dunes of the Simpson Desert to mangrove-ringed atolls of the northern tropical coastline, Queenslanders love and value these places and want them better protected for future generations.”
Queensland manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts Andrew Picone said, “Queensland is world-renowned for our rich living cultural heritage and natural beauty. Our state is home to twice as many species of native plants and animals as any other Australian state or territory.”
“But our unique wildlife is under threat. Doubling Queensland’s protected areas by 2030 is a key part in reversing extinction and building a world class protected area system.
“We need increased and ongoing investment in national parks, private protected areas and Indigenous-led conservation to meet state, national and global targets. Now, more than ever, we need bold action to protect our unique Queensland native wildlife.”
