D’Aguilar, Lamington and Main Range national parks grow in size

Queensland’s protected land has increased by a further 43,000 hectares, with land areas increased in three national parks.

The D’Aguilar National Park northwest of Brisbane has grown in size.

Queensland’s protected land has increased by a further 43,000 hectares, with D’Aguilar National Park, Lamington National Park and Main Range National Park all having their areas increased.

New or expanded nature refuges – areas that Queensland landholders have nominated to protect local ecosystems – have also been announced in Noosa, Mount Gibson, Mount Mellum and near Cooktown.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the newly-dedicated areas of protected land equalled the size of 430,000 Olympic swimming pools, with Queensland’s total protected land now double the size of Tasmania.

Acting Premier Steven Miles and Meaghan Scanlon at Mt Mellum. Picture: Annette Dew

“We know how important it is that we conserve the areas for future generations, but also to protect our rich biodiversity,” she said.

“Queensland has the most biodiversity in the country, and it’s really important that we protect that and the threatened species that are within those, right across the state.”

As part of the changes the D’Aguilar National Park will be increased by 52.5ha, the Lamington National Park by 129.9ha, and Main Range National Park by 56ha.

Mount Mellum Nature Refuge landholders Ian and Christine McMaster welcomed the additional protected land, with a further 10.32ha added to their 100ha property.

“It’s tremendously important to us, and a whole range of people who are committed to environmental preservation, to see these lands being protected,” Mr McMaster said.

“And also to see the financial support to landholders who manage these properties, because it’s a very demanding task.”