(Photo: Tatters on Flickr)
February 17, 2017
The State Government has added a 52ha block to the Bunya Mountains National Park to preserve rare range-top grasslands.
National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles said on Friday the steep block at the southern boundary of the park had high conservation values and cost the Government $214,500 to buy.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to enhancing the State’s protected area estate, and one way of achieving this is to purchase suitable lands as they come onto the market,” Dr Miles said.
“Aside from its grassy ‘bald’ that is unique to the Bunya Mountains and some special rainforest areas, the block contains koala habitat and a legless lizard, the collared delma.”
This little snake-like lizard is found only in Queensland and northern NSW and is listed as vulnerable.
“Adding this block will also help Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service consolidate the management of the park,” Dr Miles said.
“The added block is surrounded by national park on three sides. It adjoins the Bunya Mountains Road, and is on the left after you leave the Dandabah camping area and head back to Dalby.
“The former owners had kept the land well-vegetated – there are areas of eucalypt forest, rainforest with hoop pines and bunya pines, and the natural grasslands – and they were keen to see it become part of the National Park.
“Given the variety of vegetation and terrain, it’s already a popular spot for birdwatchers. They come looking for wedge-tailed eagles and other raptors soaring over the hills, finches in the grassland and rainforest birds.
“The high parts provide spectacular views of the Bunya Mountains and surrounding landscape.”
The last extension to the park was in 2014 when 263ha was added. The new addition of 52ha takes the total area to 19,545ha.
