A place of extraordinary beauty, the Outback runs deep in the hearts and minds of Queenslanders. It is not just a place of myth and legend, but one of the last great regions of nature left on Earth.
Outback Queensland covers 1.1 million square kilometres - almost two-thirds of the state. Stretching from the tropical rainforests of Cape York to the Gulf Country’s savanna plains and the vast floodplains of the Channel Country, our Outback is as diverse as the people and wildlife who call it home.
In these environments live an extraordinary range of native plants and animals; from Cassowaries and Cuscus in the rainforests of Cape York, to Bilbies and Budgerigars in the desert lands of western Queensland.
72 percent of Australia's native bird species live in Queensland, along with 85 percent of its mammals, and just over half its native reptiles and frogs. Many of these species exclusively call the Outback home.
Outback Queensland is also home to nearly 10,000 different plant species, more than any other state in Australia, with an average of 20 new plant species discovered each year.
88,000 Queenslanders live in the Outback, working across a range of industries and living in diverse and scattered communities. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents share a strong bond with the land.
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 Leeanne Enoch 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.