Comments invited on draft Lamington National Park management plan
Members of the community are being invited to contribute suggestions regarding the future management of Lamington National Park in South East Queensland.
The park, which covers 20,600 hectares between the Gold Coast and Beaudesert, contains the largest area of sub-tropical rainforest in the region and is recognised for conserving a high diversity of plants and animals.
It was one of the first national parks to be declared in Queensland (in 1915) and represents one of the most important conservation reserves in the region with vegetation that had remained unchanged over thousands and possibly millions of years.
Assistant Director-General Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Andrea Leverington said because of this it was vital to have a management plan that preserved in perpetuity, the parks remarkable natural and cultural values.
“The Gold Coast region is in one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and Lamington National Park is already attracting an increasing number of local, national and international visitors,” Ms Leverington said.
“As the region’s population grows, so will the pressure and impact on the park.
“The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is therefore developing a management plan that aims to permanently preserve the natural condition and rehabilitate the World Heritage values of the park.”
Ms Leverington said the draft management plan had been developed in consultation with a wide range of groups and individuals who had an interest in the future wellbeing of Lamington National Park.
“DERM is now inviting comment on the draft plan, from anyone who believes they can contribute suggestions to the future sustainable management of the park,” Ms Leverington said.
“This could include members of the public, landholders, Indigenous groups, local governments and community organisations and comment could relate to cultural, conservation, scientific, technical or other issues relevant to preservation and wellbeing of the park.”
Ms Leverington said the park’s future depended on the cooperation of the community, visitors, neighbouring landowners, local authorities and others with special interests to protect its unique values.
Submissions close on the 14 December 2009.
For further information or to obtain a copy of the draft plan, visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management website at www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests or phone the DERM Customer Service Centre on 1300 130 372.
For further information contact Department of Environment and Resource Management Media Services Ph: (07) 3224 7792 or email.
Last updated: 30 October 2009