Conservationists are elated at recent protection of native forests on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara country, on the Sunshine Coast and say there is “real hope that logging across Queensland will end in the near future”.
“We fully support the policy to end logging in SEQ and it’s great to see action toward that, with the protection of parts of Peachester, Luttons and Beerburrum West State Forests just announced,” Queensland Conservation Council protected areas campaigner Nicky Moffat said.
“The local community has been calling for these forests to be protected. It is a relief that threatened species habitat and other conservation values in these areas will now be safe.
“It’s great for our wildlife that these forests are being protected ahead of the Premier’s 2024 deadline for ending native forest logging in South East Queensland. We hope to see many more announcements like this in coming months.
“There are 70,000 hectares to protect in South East Queensland, and we will be working with local communities to ensure all high conservation value native forests in Queensland are protected.
“We expect the Department of Environment and Science will work with traditional owners on the future of these forests now they are protected from logging.”
The protection of state forests surrounding the Glasshouse Mountains National Park will make a valuable contribution to threatened species recovery, Ms Moffat said.
“Globally there is an extinction crisis, we are seeing the largest loss of life since the dinosaurs. “In Queensland, we have a terrible record of extinction. Statewide, more than 1020 species are struggling for survival.
“The Australian Government and global community agree 30% of ecosystems need to be protected globally by 2030.
“But in Queensland just 8.2 per cent is protected, the smallest protected area estate of any state in Australia. It’s just not good enough.
“National parks and reserves need to grow by 15 million hectares to reach the Palaszczuk Government’s 17 per cent target. State forests could add up to 2.9 million ha of native forest.”
