The Nature Conservancy Australia supports the acquisition of Pretty Plains by the QLD Government for long-term protection, in addition to The Lakes

The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) is delighted to announce the acquisition of Pretty Plains by the Queensland Government, which will add 8,030 hectares of high conservation value land to The Lakes, north of Hughenden, acquired last year. Together, the properties will add 43,330 hectares to the protected area estate.

TNC’s Managing Director, Alison Rowe, said TNC, with support from the Wyss Foundation and the Art into Acres initiative through Re:wild, is proud to support the Queensland Government in the long-term protection of Pretty Plains.

“The purchase of Pretty Plains adjoins and complements the previous acquisition of The Lakes (35,300 ha) which contain stunning and nationally important perched wetlands,” Ms Rowe said.

“The area contains a variety of endangered and under-reserved ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands and riverine corridors, and important habitat for the threatened Northern Greater Glider,” she said.

“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.”

“The ecosystem has very high species richness, and the riparian areas, forests and woodlands on the Great Dividing Range are key wildlife refugia and corridors of State significance,” said artist and conservationist Dr. Haley Mellin. “It is an honour to support 43,330 hectares being added in total to the protected area of this region.”

TNC’s Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies, Dr James Fitzsimons, said that, together, The Lakes and Pretty Plains conservation areas make an important contribution to Australia’s efforts to achieve 30% protection of lands and oceans by 2030. “Nations around the world have recently committed to increasing the protection of areas of high importance for biodiversity. Pretty Plains and The Lakes are great examples of this effort,” he said.