On The Land
10 February, 2023
Nature refuge expansion protects wildlife
A NATURE refuge has been expanded to allow the landowners to continue to look after the wildlife, in particular the Golden-shouldered parrot, that make it their home.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the refuge, 300km north-west of Cairns, would allow the State Government to continue to protect the environment.
Nature refuges are a class of private protected area under the State’s Nature Conservation Act and are administered by a legally binding conservation agree-ment between a landholder and the government.
“Queenslanders have made it clear: they want us to continue to protect our environment and great lifestyle,” Minister Scanlon said.
“This announcement joins our record $262.5 million investment to expand and create new national parks and areas of conservation to ultimately build upon our 14 million hectares of protected areas in Queensland.”
The Artemis Antbed Parrot Nature Refuge protects vital habitat for the endangered Golden-shouldered parrot and other wildlife and will grow by 103,059 hectares to cover a total of 105,175 hectares.
“Our thing has always been to look after the country. We’ve lived on Artemis for most of our lives and we know it and care for it deeply,” Tom and Sue Shephard, the owners of Artemis Antbed Parrot Nature Refuge, said.
“We’ve always tried to do things right, so our cattle business is viable but we’re also looking after the Golden-shouldered Parrot and other wildlife.
“So we’re very happy and grateful to the Queensland Government for the chance to extend our conservation work."
