New national parks welcomed as logging winds up in south east Queensland

Environment Minister Leanne Linard began the process to transition some 12,000 hectares of state forest to national or conservation park in parliament on Friday (June 14).

Areas that will soon be protected included: 

• More than 6000 hectares of Squirrel Creek State Forest for dedication as the new Squirrel Creek National Park, which includes important habitat for vulnerable species including the plumed frogmouth and black-breasted button-quail.
• Two areas totalling 1,119 hectares of Beerburrum West State Forest to be added to the Glass House Mountains National Park, including habitat for glossy black-cockatoo and tusked frog.
• Almost 600 hectares of Yabba State Forest to be added to Wrattens National Park, supporting several threatened species including the tusked frog, glossy black-cockatoo and koala.

Today’s announcement is part of the state government’s commitment to transfer 20,000 hectares of state forest in South East Queensland to protected areas.

According to the Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, native timber production in State Forests will end in the SEQ Regional Plan area on 31 December 2024.

State forests provide access to nature for thousands of Queenslanders as well as important habitat for endangered animals like the southern Greater Glider, Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Nicky Moffat said. 

“These forests already provide much needed access to nature for people in the growing south east corner. Protecting them is welcome news for thousands of bushwalkers, mountain bike riders and all those who cherish Queensland’s outdoor lifestyle,” she said.

“The Greater Glider lives in the hollows of old growth trees and protecting more of our forests means more homes for this amazing marsupial.”

“At just over eight percent, Queensland has among the lowest levels of protected area anywhere in Australia. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”

Well managed, accessible and sustainable visitor experiences in national parks expands the range of people who connect with and develop a deeper appreciation of natural and cultural values, National Parks Association of Queensland CEO Chris Thomas said.

“Four out of five Queenslanders currently live in South-east Queensland and the region’s population is expected to grow to 4.5 million by 2030. So having more places in SEQ for people to visit is important, for their recreation as well as their health and wellbeing,” he said.