2017-02-13 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   13 FEBRUARY 2017




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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                                       13 FEBRUARY 2017

                              12

                               ye
                              Y  ,

                e  e        9
             Minister’s message
             Queensland’s terrestrial protected areas, including national parks and nature refuges,
            are world-renowned for their diversity, unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking
             scenery. They are the cornerstone of Queensland’s nature conservation programs;
             protecting our state’s rich biological diversity. This protection is increasingly
             important in the face of a changing climate.
            Our protected areas contribute to conserving Indigenous and European cultural heritage; provide social and economic
             benefits to the wider community, including the tourism industry; and are a relaxing place to unwind from the pressures
            of everyday life. These are all aspects that we value for a healthy and prosperous environment and economy.
            This draft Queensland Protected Area Strategy outlines the key principles that form the foundation of Queensland’s
             management approach to, and aspirations for, its terrestrial protected areas. While the transition to a larger protected
            area system may mean forgoing other economic uses for some land, impacts will be managed in a way that balances
            conservation outcomes with the needs of our regional communities. Jobs will continue to remain a high priority.
            Currently, Queensland’s terrestrial protected areas cover just under 8% of the state. | am committed to expanding
            the protected area system to secure and conserve representative and resilient samples of all of Queensland’s
             biogeographical regions. We will also continue to work towards the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
            target of 17% terrestrial protected area coverage. We also remain committed to ensuring the sound management of
            Queensland’s national parks. This is a critical element of the Queensland Government’s vision to have a world-leading
             protected area system.
            One of the overarching themes addressed in this draft strategy is the need to pursue innovative and cost effective
            approaches to grow and manage the protected area system in partnership with the community. This includes
             recognising and supporting the growing participation of local governments and non-government organisations,
            groups and individuals in managing our protected areas.
            The draft strategy proposes key actions to expand and effectively manage protected areas and provides an
            opportunity for all Queenslanders to share their ideas and thoughts on growing and better managing our terrestrial
             protected area system.
             | invite you to read this draft strategy and provide feedback on how Queensland can continue to grow and manage
            its protected areas.

            Dr Steven Miles MP
            Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and
            Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef

                                                                                       Draft Queensland Protected Area Strategy | 3

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