Queensland species like the Endangered black-throated finch would benefit from an expanded protected areas network in the state. Image: Steve Murray / iNaturalist CC BY-NC.
Submission to the 'A Fresh Start for Private Protected Areas' Discussion Paper
Submission
12 September 2025
The Biodiversity Council welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on ‘A Fresh Start for Private Protected Areas Discussion Paper’ (the Discussion Paper). We recognise the important role that Queensland’s private protected areas play in conserving the state’s biodiversity, landscapes, and cultural heritage. We note that many of the opportunities and challenges outlined in the discussion paper reflect long-standing issues and priorities within the private land conservation sector.
Just 8.59% of Queensland is formally protected, with an increase of only 1% over the past decade, leaving the state's ecosystems less secure than those in other parts of Australia. Protected areas are widely recognised as a critical tool for conserving biodiversity.
The Biodiversity Council supports the diversity of approaches taken by private landholders to improve environmental outcomes across Australia, whether that be Landcare, Land for Wildlife, Nature Refuges, property management plans or regenerative agricultural practices.
Queensland has the largest private protected area network in Australia, with Nature Refuges covering almost 5 million hectares and making up one-third of Queensland’s total protected area. The new Queensland Government wants to expand Queensland’s protected area system, particularly through private land partnerships. The Discussion Paper seeks insights from landholders and stakeholders about how to improve the government’s approach to private protected areas.
The Biodiversity Council supports the Government’s efforts to expand Queensland’s protected area systems and remove barriers to establishing private protected areas. Our key concerns are summarised below:
- Expansion of the protected area estate must focus on biodiversity values that are currently underrepresented.
- It is essential to ensure that 'other effective area-based conservation measures' (OECMs) are implemented properly to preserve their integrity.
- Land tax exemption for conservation covenants should be progressed.
Download the submission for further detail.
