Bligh on the environment: broad targets welcome, but details and action required

The Wilderness Society (QLD) Inc
Media Release
8 September 2008

The Wilderness Society Queensland today welcomed the climate change and environment targets announced by Premier Anna Bligh but has called for more detail about how these targets will be met.

The Premier today revealed her blueprint for Queensland over the next twelve years, including targets for the environment.  These commit her government to a target of 50% more land to be set aside for nature conservation and public recreation by 2020, and reducing Queenslanders’ carbon footprint by one-third.

Dr Tim Seelig, Queensland Campaign Manager of the Wilderness Society said “Climate change and population growth will continue to place Queensland’s natural environment under extreme stress. The Premier’s targets recognise that action is needed.”

“The impacts of climate change demand that our existing National Parks and protected areas need to expand to ensure safe habitats and a haven for our unique plants and animals. Queensland has a comparatively small area of land set aside in protected areas so a commitment to significantly increase this area is welcomed.”

Dr Seelig said he was also pleased to see that green spaces, bushland and public recreation areas in and surrounding urban and regional centres might also feature in the government’s thinking. 

“Predicted population pressures, particularly in south east corner and along the coast line of the State, mean we also need to act now to protect all remaining areas of bushlands and forests to provide a chance for nature into the future.”

However, while Dr Seelig welcomed the Premier Anna Bligh’s announced targets, he expressed concern about how the commitments would be put into place.

“The Wilderness Society is keen to learn in more detail about what these commitments will mean, and in particular where the Bligh government will focus its attention in terms of expanding protected areas.  We are also anxious that government commitments are followed through on, and that targets are indeed met as promised.”