Protecting the environment
Our focus
The Queensland Government has re-engaged with the vital issue of environmental protection and we acknowledge our role as stewards of Queensland’s unique natural assets. Stakeholder consultation will inform our actions and we will continue to advocate Queensland’s priorities to the Commonwealth Government and internationally. Nowhere is this more apparent than our actions to protect and safeguard the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland’s economic future depends on our environment being healthy and robust. Economic growth should complement our environment and seek to rebuild its sustainability, not degrade it.
Our government is committed to sustainable development based on sound science. We will work with stakeholders to address the long-term threat that climate change presents to Queensland’s economy, communities and ecosystems.
Queensland has the greatest levels of biodiversity in Australia. We will work with scientists and other stakeholders to protect our plant and animal species, and manage habitat by minimising our waste and enforcing environmental standards for air, land and waterway pollution.
We will also promote the conservation of fauna, flora, ecosystems and genetic diversity through a comprehensive national park and protected area estate, world heritage listing, and conservation agreements on private land.
We will achieve our vision for strong environmental protection by:
- Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
- Conserving nature and heritage
- Ensuring sustainable management of natural resources
- Enabling responsible development
Key initiatives
- Establishing the first Minister for the Great Barrier Reef, supported by a dedicated Office of the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce
- Moving to ban the sea dumping of capital dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
- Funding water quality initiatives, scientific research and better environmental practices
- Reintroducing tree clearing laws to reduce carbon emissions
- Reinstating coastal planning requirements through the Better Planning for Queensland Directions Paper and the State Planning Policy
- Releasing a discussion paper on bio-fuels and bio-manufacturing
- Investigating options to reduce packaging waste
- Introducing the Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015
Target alignment
The following table highlights how our focus on protecting the environment will contribute to achieving targets outlined in The Queensland Plan.
| Targets | Jobs and economy | Frontline services | Environment | Communities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
T1 Literacy & numeracy |
Yes | |||
T2 Skills for life |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
T3 Valuing of education |
Yes | Yes | ||
T4 Household prosperity |
Yes | |||
T5 Opportunity for all |
Yes | Yes | ||
T6 Community connection |
Yes | |||
T7 Liveable regions |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
T8 Growing regions |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
T9 Growing prosperity |
Yes | |||
|
T10 Bright ideas |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
T11 Life expectancy |
Yes | Yes | ||
T12 Disease and injury prevention |
Yes | Yes | ||
T13 Mental health |
Yes | Yes | ||
T14 Environmental guardian |
Yes | |||
T15 Environmental balance |
Yes | Yes | ||
T16 Inclusive participation |
Yes | Yes | ||
T17 Indigenous opportunity |
Yes | Yes | ||
T18 Liveability |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
T19 Tailored and timely infrastructure |
Yes | Yes | Yes | |
T20 Community governance |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
