Home / Environment / Queensland Buys Huge Cattle Stations for Conservation
Queensland Buys Huge Cattle Stations for Conservation
16 Oct
Summary
- Queensland acquired nearly 396,000 hectares for conservation.
- Acquisitions include Kendall River, Westmoreland, and Cliffdale Stations.
- The land protects vital wetlands and habitats for threatened species.
Queensland has significantly expanded its protected area network by acquiring almost 396,000 hectares of vast cattle properties. These acquisitions span Kendall River Station (137,000 hectares), Westmoreland Station (90,000 hectares), and Cliffdale Station (169,000 hectares) across Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The protected lands are rich in biodiversity, featuring nationally significant wetlands, savanna woodlands, and permanent waterholes crucial for threatened species like the palm cockatoo and grey falcon. This landmark conservation effort involved a partnership between the Queensland Government and The Nature Conservancy, with federal funding supporting the Westmoreland Station acquisition.
This initiative strongly supports Australia's commitment to the 30 by 30 target, aiming to protect 30 percent of land and oceans by 2030. As of October 16, 2026, Australia has already protected over 25 percent of its land mass, with this acquisition marking a substantial contribution to that goal.
Effective management of these new protected areas will focus on crucial elements such as fire, invasive species, feral animals, and water quality. Queensland aims for these national parks to be good neighbours, balancing environmental protection with the needs of surrounding landholders and communities.
