Do Queensland's National Parks have a future?

That was the question asked by Des Boyland, Wildlife Queensland's spokesman, when he participated in an invited panel discussion as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) official ‘Centenary of National Parks' celebrations on the weekend of 28–30 March 2008.

'The Queensland Government has failed to ensure that comprehensive, representative and adequate areas of Queensland's regional ecosystems are protected in National Parks,' said Mr Boyland before the panel discussion.

'Furthermore, Queensland's existing National Parks are threatened in several ways. Chronic under-funding has been an obstacle to proper management of National Parks for 25 years,' he said.

'In addition, the Queensland Government seems set on diluting the purpose of National Parks in the state. This is leading to inappropriate usage such as the introduction of recreational horse riding, which will harm native wildlife and damage habitat.'

'Interpretation of National Parks so that visitors can appreciate their real values has also diminished significantly over the years.'

'National Parks are the cornerstone of biodiversity protection. Let us hope that in 50 years' time our children’s children are not challenged with the task of rescuing our National Parks from Parks in Peril status,' said Mr Boyland

Mr Boyland was speaking before he joined the 'Centenary of Parks' celebrations as part of an invited panel to discuss the topic 'National Parks: Worth the effort?'’ at Holt Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, on Saturday 29 March 2008.

Parks in Peril status is the category given to national parks or significant sites that are in an exceptionally poor state due to degradation of the environment and/or infestation by feral animals and weeds.

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, contact us by email or call +61 7 3221 0194.