It is said that opportunity presents itself not often, and opportunity did indeed seem to present itself for Queensland’s protected areas at the 2017 state election. During the February 2017 election campaign, then Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said: “A re-elected Palaszczuk Government will release and implement a Queensland Protected Area Strategy that will establish a […]
Monthly Archives: September 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a huge impact on Queensland, Australia and the rest of the world. How we emerge from the devastating impacts on our economy, environment, social cohesion and personal health will set the direction in Queensland for decades. The Global Scene A recent article in the IUCN Parks journal1 examines the impact […]
Silver headed Antechinus Antechinus argentus at Bulburin National Park; Photo: Harry Hines. An unexpected change of scenery The Australian bushfire season of 2019/20 was unprecedented in terms of its scale and intensity. In Queensland, over 7 million hectares was burnt, including important habitats for more than 600 threatened plant and animal species. According to the […]
Among the most stunning of fish in the streams of tropical Queensland are the cling gobies. The males of these species are brightly coloured for weeks to months each year. These high-end dress standards are most notable in male versus male contests and serve to attract mates during the breeding season. About ten species have […]
Rene Burgess is Acting Ranger in Charge of Marine Operations in the Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Region, based on the Sunshine and Fraser Coast. Why did you decide to become a ranger? There was no decision-making involved, it was just inevitable. A deep-seated fascination (bordering on obsession, I am told) about the natural […]
Welcome to the Spring edition of Protected and wishing you all safety and good health in these uncertain times. In this edition you will find articles about the upcoming election, threatened species recovery, nature-based recovery, a ranger spotlight, and more. The article about the election prepared by Larissa Cordner is timely given the State will […]
Following months of park closures and restrictions across the state, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) is inviting Queenslanders of all ages and fitness levels to get back outdoors and explore their ‘own backyard’ of national park treasures. In June, a new phase of the Think outside campaign was launched, promoting day and overnight […]
Congratulations to the National Parks Association of Queensland on celebrating its 90th anniversary! I was essentially born into NPAQ just short of 50 years ago. Day walks, regular weekend camping trips and yearly extended outings were the only holidays I had ever known growing up. There were many early morning starts where my sister and […]