TNC supports the acquisition of “The Lakes” by the Queensland Government and its addition to Australia’s network of protected areas

The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) is delighted to announce the acquisition of The Lakes, a 35,300 ha property of significant conservation value, by the Queensland Government for addition to the protected area estate.

“TNC, with support from the Wyss Campaign for Nature, is proud to support the Queensland Government in the long-term protection of The Lakes property, north of Hughenden,” Dr James Fitzsimons, TNC’s Director of Conservation and Science, said.

“The Lakes have significant conservation values, including endangered regional ecosystems as well as ecosystems that have low or no protection in the existing protected area estate. Four unique hyper saline lakes classified as Wetlands of High Ecological Significance are located on the property and provide habitat for isolated and unique species.”

The purchase of The Lakes by the Queensland Government was made possible thanks in part to the generous funding provided to The Nature Conservancy by the Wyss Campaign for Nature. 

“The Wyss Foundation is proud to support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in Queensland working to protect, manage, and sustain wildlife and wild places” said Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation. “The purchase and protection of this incredible property illustrates how local communities across Australia are contributing to the global goal of protecting at least 30 percent of the Earth’s lands and ocean by 2030.”

Queensland Government’s Environment Minister, Meaghan Scanlon, said the purchase price of the property was commercial-in-confidence, but thanks to the work of The Nature Conservancy Australia, The Queensland Government received financial support to enable the purchase.

“The department and The Nature Conservancy worked hard to secure the land, with the Wyss Foundation committing up to $US1.829 million to the purchase,” Minister Scanlon said. 

Dr Fitzsimons said the protection of the property is a significant milestone not only for conservation in Queensland but also for Australia’s commitment to “30 by 30” and biodiversity protection, with new biodiversity conservation targets to be negotiated this spring at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Conference of the Parties in Kunming, China. “A strong commitment is paramount to tackle the growing loss of ecosystems and species and preserve the critical role they play in carbon storage, water quality and food provision,” said Dr Fitzsimons.  

If you would like to know more about our conservation work, please visit: The Nature Conservancy Australia (natureaustralia.org.au)