The health of our Outback is under threat

For thousands of years, the health of nature in Outback Queensland has depended on people continuing to carefully manage the land - but that delicate balance has become increasingly threatened as people move away from our Outback.

Once-thriving Outback towns have experienced significant declines over the second half of the 20th century as people have moved to the cities.

In their absence, uncontrolled wildfires, feral animals and noxious, introduced weeds have taken over, wiping out native plants and animals and damaging whole ecosystems.

Wildfires in Outback Queensland have increased in scale and intensity in parts of the desert regions and the tropical savannas of the north.

Feral animals and noxious weeds continue to spread, taking over from native plants and animals and damaging precious ecosystems.

They're also causing significant problems for graziers, with some Outback Queensland landholders now paying in excess of $100,000 a year to manage weeds on their properties.

Feral animals have been estimated to cost Australian communities more than $720million a year to manage.

The need for greater support to address threats across Outback Queensland is significant and is growing rapidly. People and nature in Outback Queensland need to see greater investment in proven programs to help overcome some of these challenges.

Outback Queensland is the heart of our state and one of the last great regions of nature left on Earth. Its rugged and diverse landscapes support unique wildlife and hard-working families who rely on healthy landscapes.

But, the health and future of our living Outback is at risk. More hands-on work to remove feral animals and noxious weeds, as well as prevent destructive fires, is essential to sustain communities and safeguard nature.

There are three key ways to help protect our Outback:

1. Support landholders by expanding the Nature Refuges program.

2. Grow the successful Indigenous Ranger program.

3. Create new well managed National Parks for all Queenslanders.

Sign the petition to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon and Deputy Premier Steven Miles, CC your local MP, asking them to invest in these important programs and deliver for people and nature of Outback Queensland.

Sign the Petition!

    Dear Meaghan Scanlon, Steven Miles, Deb Frecklington, David Janetzki and Sam O'Connor,

    I’m one of the 92 percent of Queenslanders who think our Outback is a big part of our state’s history, culture and identity*

    Outback Queensland’s diverse landscapes support unique wildlife and hard-working families on the land.

    Our Outback is also one of the last great regions of nature left on Earth.

    But the health of Outback Queensland is under threat. Feral animals and noxious weeds are spreading rapidly, while destructive fires threaten property and nature.

    There are three ways you can support people and nature in our Outback:

    1. Supporting landholders to care for their land by expanding the Nature Refuges program.
    2. Growing the successful Indigenous Rangers program
    3. Creating new well-managed National Parks for all Queenslanders to enjoy.

    I ask you to invest in these successful programs to support people and nature in Outback Queensland.

    (*Galaxy Research, November 2017)

     

    Yours faithfully,
    [Your name will be automatically added]

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