In September 2020 Professor Hugh Possingham took over as Queensland’s Chief Scientist. Professor Possingham has a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Applied Mathematics from the University of Adelaide and a doctorate in Ecological Modelling as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. He has worked for numerous universities as a professor, department head, and led several […]
Welcome to the Autumn edition of Protected. Ecotourism in Queensland and across Australia is currently a key issue concerning the management of national parks and appreciation of nature. The interest is global, and proposals from commercial operators will only increase. NPAQ has been an active advocate for all ecotourism to be based around objectives that […]
Ben Hall is Ranger in Charge of Eungella National Park in the Mackay Management Unit. He has always enjoyed exploring the outdoors, in particular new remote places. He could think of no better profession to do this, and help protect the environment, than becoming a Ranger! How long have you worked in national parks? I […]
After much lobbying by the National Parks Association of Queensland and others, the Queensland Protected Area Strategy was finally released by the Government a few days before caretaker mode came into effect prior to the recent State election. The release of the Strategy has been one of the major requests of NPAQ as it will […]
In 2014 I had the privilege of sitting on a rocky “jump-up” (or mesa) at the end of a long and hot day on what is now Pullen Pullen Reserve. It’s a remote and vast landscape in the Channel Country of central-west Queensland dominated by long unburnt spinifex, Mitchell grass downs and stony gibber plains. […]
National parks are important environmental resources, giving protection to the flora, fauna and ecosystems that underpin a healthy environment for us all to live in and pass on to future generations. National parks not only play a vital role in the environment but also contribute social, cultural and economic value to our society. The University […]
History First Nations people visited St Helena Island thousands of years prior to European habitation. They were attracted to the Island each year during the warmer months, when large colonies of fruit bats congregated. During the winter they hunted dugong in the surrounding waters. Huge middens of bone and shell, one being the oldest man-made […]
Cathy Gatley is Ranger-in-Charge of Mon Repos Conservation Park, just east of Bundaberg. Working with plants and animals is in her DNA… Why did you decide to become a ranger? My dad was a veterinarian who treated lots of native animals, so I was fortunate to grow up with koalas, gliders and birds around the […]
Welcome to the Summer edition of Protected, and my first as President. Let me introduce myself: I have been an NPAQ Councillor for the past three years, and an active member of the Advocacy Committee during that time. My professional experience has been with natural resources and environmental planning at the site and regional scale, […]
Weekend trips to a local National park such as Lamington National Park have always been a great way to get away locally to recharge from long busy periods at work. Being able to be completely disconnect from emails, take in the fresh air and enjoy the simplicity yet complexity of the sights and sounds on […]
