The Queensland Government Budget that was released on World Environment Day paid little attention to the environment, says Wildlife Queensland.

The budget, handed down on 5 June 2007 by Queensland Treasurer Anna Bligh, included little new funding for the environment but did continue funding vital programs such as new acquisitions for the protected area estate, and money to improve south-east Queensland’s waterways.

Budget summary

The main funding provisions for the Environmental Protection Agency are summarised below.

• $20 million over four years to improve the health of south-east Queensland’s waterways by reducing rural and urban pollution;
• $30 million until 2008–2009 to purchase ecologically or regionally significant land that will be kept in pristine environmental condition;
• $7 million for infrastructure maintenance on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service estate to improve visitor and management facilities;
• $6.5 million over four years to develop and construct a further four world class walking tracks under the More Great Walks in Queensland program;
• $5 million for a grants program to restore Queensland’s buildings of heritage significance;
• $5 million for an Enhanced Compliance Program to increase the inspection and enforcement of higher risk Environmentally Relevant Activities;
• Funding of $2 million will be provided each year from 2007–2008 to continue enhanced fire, pest animal and weed management on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service estate;

• WPSQ says…

  Wildlife Queensland applauds the additional $20 million over four years to improve the health of south-east Queensland’s waterways.

  In addition, we welcome the news that the government is continuing to contribute $10 million per annum for protected area estate acquisitions. This funding is not tied to specific areas and so will enable the government to continue its commitment to the national reserve system.

  However, much more funding is needed to protect the biodiversity of Queensland and build our defence against climate change.

  $0.5 million, in addition to $1 million already allocated, to fund the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan.

Queensland’s climate change strategy

Funding for the draft ClimateSmart 2050 climate change strategy was only partially included in the government department environment funding in this budget.

The draft climate change strategy was released for comment on 3 June, just prior to the State budget.

Comment on ClimateSmart 2050.

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