Queensland plans new national parks on former cattle station land
The acquisition spans almost 400,000 hectares in the Gulf Country and Cape York, with ranger numbers still undecided.
Land acquired from three Queensland cattle stations will become national parks, protecting almost 400,000 hectares. Councils are seeking details of management arrangements, while the state government has yet to determine ranger staffing.
The purchase takes in all of Kendall River Station on Cape York and portions of Westmoreland and Cliffdale Station in the Gulf Country. Funding for the deal included A$21 million from the Nature Conservancy and A$3.5 million from the federal government, alongside Queensland government involvement.
Mike Roache, an executive with Nature Conservancy Australia, said some Cape York country would become Aboriginal freehold. Traditional owners would also have opportunities to manage Gulf land, he said. The regions provide habitat for species including Carpentarian grasswrens and palm cockatoos.
Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp supported the protection but questioned the impact of lost rates revenue when councils would remain responsible for roads serving the parks. His shire has an A$4 million annual rates base and maintains 550 kilometres of road.
Cr Camp said earlier owners had managed the land well, warning that inadequate management could quickly damage its natural values. He said wet weather since 2023 had accelerated rubber vine and prickly acacia growth.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell's spokesperson said most of the acquired country would come under Queensland Parks and Wildlife management. Planning was considering visitor access, infrastructure and management resources, but staffing numbers were unavailable.
