In the wake of the Queensland Government election, held on 9 September 2006, Wildlife Queensland has had a meeting with new Minister for the Environment, Lindy Nelson-Carr after first welcoming her to the ministry.

Issues discussed

In a wide ranging discussion, Wildlife Queensland's Policies and Campaigns Manager, Des Boyland, raised a number of issues with the Minister that are of concern to the Society:

• The finalisation of the ban on recreational shooting of duck and quail.
• The Protecting our Bushland Campaign.
• Better management of Protected Area Estate including control of feral animals and plants
• The Bundberg-based campaign to acquire land for the proposed Miara National Park.

Other ongoing topics discussed included the future of the Brush-tailed rock wallaby at Perseverance Dam, the need for systematic fauna surveys in the State and a conservation strategy for biodiversity.

About the minister

Lindy Nelson-Carr has expertise in the area of her new portfolio having been a member of the Ministerial Legislative Committee for Environment and Heritage and Natural Resources from July 1998 to February 2001.

Ms Nelson-Carr replaces the Hon. Desley Boyle who was Minister for Environment, Local Government, Planning and Women and has been appointed Minister for Child Safety as part of Premier Peter Beattie's Cabinet reshuffle on 13 September 2006.

Ms Nelson-Carr, previously Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier in North Queensland, represents the seat of Mundingburra in Far North Queensland.

Welcome message

Wildlife Queensland's Policies and Campaigns Manager, Des Boyland, sent the following message on behalf of the Society to the new Minister on her appointment and swearing in:

On behalf of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ), I offer our congratulations on your appointment as Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism.

As you would be aware, WPSQ is one of the longest established and most respected conservation organisations in Queensland with over 3500 supporters and 20 branches throughout the State. WPSQ has a long history of working cooperatively with the Queensland Government for the betterment of the environment.

WPSQ is aware of your prior interest in the environment and we look forward to establishing a good working relationship with you and your staff. There are many issues facing the environment but none so critical as protection of our bushland.

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