Poll shows Queenslanders want more national parks
QUEENSLANDER’S have made it clear they want the state to have more national parks. In a poll released earlier this month by the Protect Beautiful Queensland alliance, it was revealed 77% of people want more national parks and 71% of people want the state government to double the number of protected areas by 2030. Additionally, 94% of Queenslanders support national park’s role in protecting the state’s native animals and plants, and agree national parks are important for recreation and way of life.
The polling coincides with the launch of Protect Beautiful Queensland, which is said to be “a new initiative of conservation organisations, the nature-based tourism industry, and the outdoor recreation sector.”
Sunshine Coast Environment Council advocacy and engagement manager, Narelle McCarthy, said the new alliance will help support the growth of national parks in Queensland.
“The Protect Beautiful Queensland Alliance and campaign brings a collaborative focus, vision and representation to demonstrate the widespread support for doubling Queensland’s Protected Area estate,” she said.
“It gives a platform for a strong constituency who values the natural environment and the well-being these irreplaceable areas provide.”
The polling makes it clear that a majority of Queenslander’s support the expansion of the state’s national parks and protection of species, and Narelle added communities have always had a way of getting the government to listen.
“Many of the celebrated and magnificent National Parks and Protected Areas of the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, such as the Conondale and Mooloolah River National Park came about due to people-powered campaigns,” she said.
“With increasing population pressures and a deepening biodiversity crisis, the need for more conservation areas for wildlife and well-being is more critical than ever – this is what SCEC and the community continues to call for.”
Pew Charitable Trusts Queensland Manager, Andrew Picone, said although Queensland is already a beautiful location for national parks, more parks need to be introduced.
“Our unique wildlife is under threat, doubling Queensland’s protected areas by 2030 is key in reversing extinction and building a world class protected area system,” he said.
Photo credit : Nicola Brander
