The Queensland government is investing AU$6 million to support private landholders in voluntarily protecting critical wildlife habitats.
The funding package is designed to expand Queensland’s protected area network through a practical partnership with those who live and work on the land. It will deliver financial incentives and on-ground support across two key programs.
The established NatureAssist program will receive direct support to help more landholders set up Nature Refuges and Special Wildlife Reserves on environmentally significant parts of their properties, while allowing them to manage the rest of their land.
Meanwhile, existing landholders in the network can access funding through the Nature Refuge Landholder Grant Program to deliver practical, on-ground works like weed and pest management, habitat restoration, fencing, and erosion control.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the initiative recognises that conservation works best when it is a voluntary, collaborative effort.
“Nobody knows these landscapes better than the Queenslanders who care for them every day,” Powell said.
“This investment is about backing landholders who choose to permanently protect areas of environmental significance on their property, while continuing to manage the rest of their land.
“It’s a practical partnership that helps protect wildlife and habitat while recognising the important role landholders play in caring for Queensland’s environment.”
Queensland Trust for Nature CEO Dr Liz O’Brien welcomed the funding, highlighting the important role that private properties play in regional biodiversity conservation.
“With less than a quarter of threatened species habitat protected in national parks, private land plays a critical role in protecting Queensland’s biodiversity,” O’Brien said.
“Investment like this gives eligible landholders the practical backing they need to deliver lasting conservation outcomes.”
The state government stated that its private protected areas program operates on the core belief that conservation outcomes are strongest when they are manageable, productive, and voluntary.
