One of Brisbane’s most loved urban conservation parks is set to be extended with the Queensland Government confirming the purchase of a 213 hectare parcel of land which will be added to the Daisy Hill Conservation Park.
In a statement, the Government said the land was purchased from a private landholder with a strong conservation ethic.
“Protected areas are crucial in ensuring the future of Queensland’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity and we will continue to grow our protected areas in line with Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030,” said Environment Minister, Leanne Linard.
“The 2023/24 State Budget included $30.6 million for land acquisitions to expand our network of protected areas. This investment is part of the historic commitment of $262.5 million made in last year’s budget.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank my colleague, Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni, for his advocacy on behalf of his community for the purchase of this land so it can be protected for future generations.”
The purchased property protects the ‘missing link’ of bushland around Kimberley Plateau, consolidating the forests between Daisy Hill Conservation Park and Venman Bushland National Park.
Located in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, Daisy Hill Conservation Park contains significant habitat for koalas and other wildlife.
The conservation park has an extensive trail network, barbecue and picnic facilities, and caters for a variety of recreational activities including horse riding, mountain biking and bush walking.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation will begin planning for a range of new capital works on the land, including new boundary fences, fire trails and signage.
It is anticipated the land will formally become part of the protected area estate later in the year.
“I have mountain biked, walked, and had picnics here all my life, and more recently helped in bushcare activities at Daisy Hill Conservation Park, so I know how important this is to the entire community,” said Member for Springwood, Mick de Brenni.
“It is a rare thing to see such huge increases to protected areas in urban environments like Springwood, so this will be a massive relief to local residents, and the conservationists who have protected Daisy Hill and Venmans bushland for so long.
“I want to thank Premier Miles for backing this initiative for so many years, from concept, to now putting this high value bushland back in the hands of the people to be protected forever.”
Daisy Hill natural area volunteers group coordinator, Jim Napier the land purchase was great news for local residents and visitors to Daisy Hill Conservation Park, the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, and the Venman Bushland National Park.
“It’s also great news for our native wildlife and the environment,” said Mr Napier.
“As Daisy Hill natural area volunteers group coordinator, I see first hand how much enjoyment visitors to these areas’ recreation facilities and the koala centre get from this unique bushland setting so close to the city.
“Like all Daisy Hill natural area volunteers, I am looking forward to the opening of the newly acquired land.
“It will provide and protect vital wildlife corridors between the Daisy Hill Conservation Park and the Venman Bushland National Park, as well as offer more nature-based recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.”
