Queensland protects nearly 396,000 hectares across three huge cattle properties
Queensland proudly announces the acquisition of three significant cattle properties, expanding its protected area network by almost 396,000 hectares. These lands are essential for wildlife conservation, providing critical habitats for various threatened species. Funded by the federal government through a biodiversity initiative, this move contributes to Australia's ambitious target of…
The Queensland government has secured protected areas totaling nearly 396,000 hectares across three massive cattle properties on Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The acquisitions include 137,000 hectares from Kendall River Station, 90,000 hectares from Westmoreland Station, and 169,000 hectares from Cliffdale Station.
These properties harbor nationally significant wetlands, savanna woodlands, permanent waterholes, and habitats for threatened wildlife such as the palm cockatoo, grey falcon, Carpentarian grasswren, purple-crowned fairywren, and white-bellied sea eagle. The land contains 174 wetlands on Cliffdale Station, with 93 percent of the property demonstrating high or very high aquatic conservation value.
The Queensland Government partnered with The Nature Conservancy for these acquisitions, with the Albanese Government contributing $3.5 million toward Westmoreland Station under its Protecting Important Biodiversity Program. Forming one of the largest recent conservation purchases in northern Australia, the deal aims to safeguard habitat for future generations.
Wetlands are essential ecosystems in northern Australia, providing water during dry periods, supporting fish and invertebrates, filtering nutrients, and creating feeding and breeding habitat for diverse wildlife. Cliffdale Station's wetlands, in particular, are of high conservation value, making the acquisition particularly important for protecting these critical habitats.
The acquisition supports Australia's commitment to protecting 30 percent of its land and oceans by 2030. Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt noted that the federally funded $3.5 million contribution to Westmoreland Station is part of a $25 million program to secure high-value habitats across the country.
The Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister, Andrew Powell, emphasized the importance of partnerships in expanding the state's protected area estate while respecting surrounding landholders and communities. The protected land will require ongoing management to address fire, invasive species, feral animals, and water quality issues, ensuring the long-term sustainability of biodiversity and regional interests.
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