Wildlife Queensland strongly urges all Queenslanders to take immediate action to protect Queensland’s biodiversity. In December 2010 the State Government released their first ever draft plan to address Queensland’s biodiversity decline and admit we are in a time of crisis. The count down is on till the end of the consultation phase which closes at 5pm on the 8th April. Wildlife Queensland is encouraging all Queenslanders to have their say.

Wildlife Queensland appreciates there is a need to find balance between sustainable development and the protection of our biodiversity. 'While Wildlife Queensland commends the Government on the development of the draft strategy, we have reservations that it will be able to even arrest the decline let alone reverse it' said Fiona Maxwell spokeswoman for Wildlife Queensland.

'Queenslanders are custodians of some of the world’s most important and irreplaceable natural treasures and we all have a responsibility to protect them for future generations' continued Ms Maxwell.

'1077 plant and 287 animals are classified endangered, vulnerable or near threatened under Queensland legislation. Marine and coastal environments are suffering significantly due to unsustainable urban development, land source pollution and unsustainable uses. Some of our most important biodiverse regions have lost over 50% of their native vegetation. Freshwater biodiversity is experiencing much greater rates of decline than many other environments due to over-exploitation of water, pollution and modification of flows. As our population rapid grows, so too do the associated pressures on our unique wildlife' said Ms Maxwell.

'If we are ever going to tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss, it must be given a higher priority in all areas of decision-making and in all economic sectors. There must have a combined effort of industry, government and the community. Biodiversity loss can be prevented, significantly reduced or even reversed if we have a coordinated approach to strong and rapid action at international, national, state and local levels. We need a strong plan, not one filled with motherhood statements and glossy pictures but one with real teeth. A plan of action that is informed by science, has quantifiable targets with actions that cost effectively maximise the chance of achieving those targets and measure progress towards those targets. This plan must be funded – without significant funding we will continue to fail' said Ms Maxwell.

Wildlife Queensland advocates the following priority actions:

• Establishment of an independent biodiversity scientific expert panel to produce annual progress reports and an independent audit, provide adaptive strategy advice on progress and direction of funding.
• Establishment of an Office of Biodiversity to deliver on the objectives of the strategy, to act as a secretariat and to support the independent science panel. This office should be accountable to the Premier and located within that Department.
• An assessment of the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services to the State in real dollar terms.
• A review of all perverse subsidies, incentives and processes that impact upon biodiversity and its protection in the State.
• 17% of the state protected in National Parks by 2020 with an annual 10% budget increment for monitoring and management.
• Develop a clear and funded National Park acquisition rollout plan and schedule.
• Within 5 years establish a comprehensive network of marine protected areas in the state waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. This must incorporates a network of marine national park zones (no-take zones) based on scientific best practise.
• Ensure that all future and current marine protected have marine national park zones (no-take zones) based on scientific best practise to ensure the protection of biodiversity values.
• All avenues for off reserve biodiversity conservation must be fully explored to ensure the best outcomes for biodiversity.
• Implement a strategic approach to biosecurity that incorporates prevention and management with strategic investments in actions that result in the best outcomes from available funds.

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