Large old trees in the proposed Miara National Park combine with mature forests, wetlands and rainforests to provide one of the largest undisturbed tracts of native vegetation from Bundaberg to the Town of 1770

Wildlife Queensland's Bundaberg Branch, in alliance with two other central coast conservation organisations, is campaigning for the creation of a new national park on Bundaberg Sugar land currently owned by Belgian-based Finasucre.

Where is Miara?

Collectively referred to as 'The Miara Properties', the area consists of 28 freehold lots (3773.557ha) and three leasehold lots (1581.443ha). It consists of 5355ha located in the Burnett Shire, north of the Kolan River, south of Littabella Creek, with approximately 10km of undeveloped coastline.

Why this land?

Ecosystems.This land contains a variety of ecosystems including estuarine, coastal sand dunes, salt marshes, fresh water swamps, mangroves, Melaleuca forests, rainforest communities, open forest and grasslands with known high biodiversity and conservation values.

Bird habitat. The coast wetlands provide important feeding and resting habitats for migratory wading birds, and feeding and breeding habitats for native bird species. Protection of the Miara wetlands will significantly add to and enhance the value of the Kolan wetlands to the south, which are already protected under Conservation Park status, and designated as a Fish Habitat.

Listed species. Queensland EPA Wildnet database lists 19 potential endangered, vulnerable and rare species which may be present within the proposed Miara National Park.

Why a national park?

Miara National Park is about biodiversity, open space, wilderness feel, wildlife, habitat, passive recreation, health, well-being and relaxation of homo sapiens, both adjacent to the coast and inland.

Protection. Gazetting as a national park would protect the land's valuable biodiversity in perpetuity.

Local tourism. A National Park would be an added tourism experience, attractive to the many tourists who also visit the local Mon Repos turtle rookery. Extra visitor numbers and more tourism dollars would increast the economic returns currently received from international and interstate tourists.

Health and recreation. The local community, who have always accessed this area for recreational purposes, are more aware of the health benefits from natural areas of coastline and hinterland, uninhibited by urban development, high rise buildings and associated urban noise.

For more information about the poultry shed grant scheme and other activities, contact Wildlife Queensland by email or call +61 7 3221 0194.