New nature refuge added west of Cairns
A NEW parcel of land southwest of Cairns has been added to the state’s national parks.
Another 34,000 hectares have been included as part of a nature refuge near Rungulla National Park.
The newly-added parcel of land at Gilberton Nature Refuge, 130km south of Forsayth, adds to the more than one million hectares of land that has been added to Queensland’s protected areas under the Palaszczuk government.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the government had signed an agreement with landholders for the 34,000-ha parcel of land to be protected as a nature refuge.
“The beautiful property is home to the Gilbert River, has koala habitat, and has significant cultural heritage sites for First Nations people,” she said.
Ms Enoch thanked the Gilberton landholders, the French family, for their protection of the environment. *Competition runs Monday, 10th September until Friday, 5th October 2018. For full terms and conditions go to: cairnspost.com.au/competitions.
Lyn French said the family was proud to be a part of the Nature Refuges Program.
“Gilberton Station has been in the family for eight generations,” Mrs French said.
“We’re proud to be seen as good land stewards, a family who are conscious of looking after the country ...”