$250 Million Boost will Improve Conservation, Tourism and Open Up Parts of Australia Few Have Seen
22 March 2025
Today’s $250 million federal funding announcement for protected areas has the potential to expand public access to nature, strengthen conservation efforts, and bolster Australia’s ecotourism credentials ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in Queensland.
This funding is an opportunity to expand protected areas in priority, under-represented areas across Australia, and to ensure those areas are managed for conservation, ecotourism and sustainable recreation.
As Australia’s most naturally diverse state, Queensland would be a great candidate for federal funding, increasing its contribution to the national pledge to conserve 30 percent of Australia’s land and waters by 2030.
The Queensland Tourism and Conservation Alliance (QTCA)—a non-partisan alliance of peak tourism and conservation organisations—is advocating for Queensland’s protected areas to double before the 2032 Games.
The Queensland Government has committed to growing Queensland protected areas, which currently cover about 8.6% of Queensland, and recently announced that an additional 150 park rangers would be appointed.
By committing to park expansion in priority areas and strengthening ranger resources to keep them well-managed, healthy, and accessible, the Queensland Government is well positioned to secure its share of federal funding.
Quotes attributable to QTCA Member, Queensland Tourism Industry Council, CEO Natassia Wheeler:
“Our national and marine parks are at the heart of what makes Queensland a world-class tourism destination. This investment will create new visitor experiences and grow opportunities for sustainable tourism. Strengthening investment in our conservation estate ensures that Queensland remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers while preserving our iconic environments for future generations”
Quotes attributable to QTCA Member, Ecotourism Australia, CEO Elissa Keenan:
“This investment will help to safeguard our unique natural heritage while also creating new opportunities for appropriate ecotourism that in turn delivers positive impact for regional economies, local communities and Traditional Owners. This investment further strengthens Australia’s position as a world-class ecotourism destination while ensuring future generations can experience our incredible landscapes and wildlife.”
Quotes attributable to QTCA Member, National Parks Association of Queensland, Director Chris Thomas:
“Queensland is fortunate to have some amazing national parks and world heritage areas, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree, K’gari and the Gondwana Rainforests. These protected areas are not only important to the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders but support vibrant recreational and ecotourism sectors. Creating further protected areas is a smart investment and will send a signal to the world that Australia is committed to both conservation and ecotourism.”
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