Majority of Queenslanders says yes to more national parks
A poll commissioned by the Queensland Conservation Council reveals that 4 out of 5 Queenslanders support the creation of more national parks. Unfortunately, our unique wildlife, biodiversity and ecosystems are under threat, and we need bolder actions to preserve and there is growing momentum in people wanting to protect these gems.
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77% of respondents express support for the creation of more national parks. |
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Australia’s national target is protecting 30% of the country’s landmass by the year 2030. |
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Healthy Land & Water is working on multiple fronts to restore and conserve South East Queensland’s beautiful environment. |
A poll released by the Protect Beautiful Queensland alliance revealed that majority of Queenslanders are in favour of increasing the number of national parks in the state.
It makes sense, considering that our unique flora and fauna are without a doubt precious and to be protected.
In October 2022, all Australian state, territory, and federal environment ministers agreed to work collectively to achieve the national target of protecting 30% of the country’s landmass by the year 2030.
Public support for national parks expansion
The polling data, collected by the Queensland Conservation Council and undertaken by YouGov, reveal a strong desire among Queenslanders for increased protection of their natural environments. Key findings include:
- 77% of respondents express support for the creation of more national parks.
- 71% advocate for doubling the number of protected areas by 2030, with 64% endorsing achieving this goal by 2032.
- 94% recognise the vital role of national parks in safeguarding Queensland's native flora and fauna, as well as their significance for recreation and quality of life.
Challenges and our efforts to conserve SEQ
Despite the widespread support for national parks expansion, Queensland faces significant challenges in meeting its conservation targets. The state currently has the lowest percentage of land in protected areas in Australia, standing at 8.3%.
To address this gap, stronger and bolder efforts are required to increase investment in conservation initiatives and land acquisition.
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Healthy Land & Water’s working hard to conserve SEQ's environment and more Healthy Land & Water has been working hard with numerous projects to conserve South East Queensland’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Our work spans from targeted, innovative and impactful on-ground works all the way to driving and influencing decisions, policy and actions to improve the environment. We work with multiple stakeholders including universities, local governments, non-government organisations, Traditional Owners, and communities to achieve results and outcomes that reduce the threats to our fauna and flora from fire to habitat loss and all in between. Here are just some of our recent exciting projects in this space! They are a great insight into how fascinating and pivotal these conservation efforts are:
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The Queensland Government's commitment to doubling protected areas by 2030 represents a crucial step forward, supported by substantial funding allocations in recent years.
The strong public endorsement for doubling Queensland's national parks is only the beginning. To achieve Queensland’s conservation targets, collaboration between government, conservation organisations, and community stakeholders together with the prioritisation of proactive conservation measures will be the only way to ensure the effective management and long-term sustainability of the state's natural environments.
Resources:
https://protectqueensland.org.au/
https://protectqueensland.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Jan-2024-National-Parks-Polling-media.pdf
https://protectqueensland.org.au/2024/02/public-support-for-doubling-queenslands-national-parks/
