Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
THE Palaszczuk Government’s new strategy to protect and revitalise national parks will support Queensland’s economic recovery as we emerge from the COVOD-19 pandemic.
The Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, said Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030 wasa new 10-year plan to support the growth, management and sustainability of national parks and other protected areas.
The Minister for Environment, Leeanne Enoch, recently announced details of the strategy, which included an initial investment of $60 million, a significant expansion of protected areas and a doubling of ranger numbers in the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program.
“The Labor Government recognises the important role of First Nations peoples in co-stewarding Queensland’s environment,” Ms Lui said.
“An allocation of $24 million will double of the number of Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to 200.
“This recognises their wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in conserving cultural heritage and the environment.
“Queensland’s biodiversity is extraordinary and is linked to a deep cultural history of two of the oldest living cultures on earth—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Ms Lui said the initial investment of $60 million was on top of the $6.5 million for strategic acquisitions in Far North Queensland and I understand negotiations are already under way.
“Another further $8 million will be spent to expand the Private Protected Areas Program that supports landholders to establish Nature Refuges and Special Wildlife Reserves on their land,” she said.
Ms Lui said national parks and other protected areas were an important part of Queensland’s vibrant tourism industry.
“They attract thousands of people each year and support jobs and industries in our region,” she said.
“They provide a connection to nature and culture that is vital to our health and wellbeing.”
Ms Lui said the Protected Area Strategy, as a 10-year plan, was an ideal project that would help Queensland to unite and recover as we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide long-term jobs and economic development.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government's strong health response and tough decisions on borders has kept the people of Cook safe,” she said.
“It has allowed our stable government to deliver our regional economic recovery plan.
“Our plan is focused on creating jobs in more industries right across Queensland, unlike the LNP who wants the borders opened 64 times putting the health and safety of all Queenslanders at risk.
“As Campbell Newman's Assistant Minister Deb Frecklington sacked 14,000 Queensland public servants. The recovery period is not the time to risk the LNP.”
ENDS
Media Contact – Cook Electorate Office – 4223 1100
