Three major Queensland land acquisitions to add almost 396,000 hectares to Australia’s protected area network

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has welcomed the Queensland Government's acquisition of three ecologically and culturally significant properties in north Queensland that will secure the protection of around 396,000 hectares and deliver a major boost to Australia's commitment to protect 30 per cent of its land by 2030.

The three properties - Westmoreland Station (90,000 hectares) and Cliffdale Station (169,000 hectares) in the Gulf Plains bioregion, and Kendall River Station (137,000 hectares) on Cape York Peninsula - feature internationally significant ecosystems, including extensive wetlands, open savanna woodlands, permanent waterholes and unique woodlands.

The acquisitions were secured through a collaborative investment model involving The Nature Conservancy, the Queensland Government and philanthropic partners, including the Wyss Foundation and Holdfast Collective, Patagonia’s non-profit shareholder.

Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation, said, “We are proud to support the permanent protection of these areas of north Queensland, home to numerous threatened birds as well as wetlands and other essential habitats.” 

“Philanthropy plays a critical role in accelerating the pace of conservation, and this partnership demonstrates the importance of strategic funding in meeting national and global biodiversity goals.” 

Protecting globally significant biodiversity

Mike Roache, TNC’s Protected Landscapes Director in Australia, said The Gulf Plains bioregion is one of Australia's most intact tropical savanna regions, but has historically been underrepresented in the National Reserve System, with less than eight per cent protected prior to these purchases.

“The properties provide habitat for several threatened species, including the vulnerable Carpentarian Grasswren, Grey Falcon and the endangered Golden-shouldered Parrot, along with numerous other plants and animals that remain poorly documented,” Roache said.

 “Cliffdale and Westmoreland support vast expanses of eucalypt woodland, floodplain grasslands and interconnected wetlands that sustain critical ecological processes, including seasonal flooding, natural fire regimes and wildlife movement across the landscape.

“On Cape York Peninsula, Kendall River protects extensive intact woodland, savanna and wetland habitats that support nationally and internationally significant biodiversity, including threatened species like the Palm Cockatoo.”

A major contribution to Australia's 30x30 goal

TNC’s Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies Dr James Fitzsimons noted the importance and timeliness of the acquisitions given this month’s UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17) in Armenia.

“COP17 will feature the first global review of the world's collective progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework – a report card on how progress is tracking towards the target to conserve at least 30% of the world's land and waters by 2030.

"Success for 30x30 won't be measured by commitments alone, but by the extent to which important ecosystems are being secured and effectively managed for conservation. These Queensland properties represent exactly the kind of tangible, on-ground action needed to contribute to global biodiversity goals and turn international commitments into measurable outcomes for nature.

"By leveraging philanthropic investment alongside government funding, we can secure larger, more connected landscapes that deliver lasting benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience and future generations."