Issues

Wildlife Queensland is committed to protecting Australia's unique wildlife and the natural landscapes, oceans and waterways that are wildlife habitats.

We support wildlife and habitats by actively campaigning on wildlife issues:

Raising community awareness by providing information and summaries of issues
Making it easy for the people to express their views on issues
Gathering information and public views in order to make formal submissions and lobby government decision-making bodies on wildlife matters.

Get the most from this information:

Read the summaries of issues to be better informed about what is happening for wildlife today.
Find out what Wildlife Queensland is doing to support Australian wildlife and habitats.
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Use the information we provide to play an active part in Wildlife Queensland's campaigns and other issues.

Recent submissions

Brisbane River North Bank development

Department of Infrastructure and Planning – September 2008

In its 3rd submission on subsequent North Bank proposals since 2005, WPSQ welcomed the idea of developing the area if the result enhanced the waterfront and improved access. This potential must however be balanced against environmental and hydrological values, and sustainable land use. WPSQ opposed any buildings or encroachment on the river, any impact on the historic vista, and any increased congestion in the CBD. WPSQ questioned the wisdom of incorporating a signature building, a public aquarium or a 'CBD playground'. Overall, the proposal was criticised for not providing enough detail for informed public comment WPSQ stated that building heights must be kept to a minimum and requested that the final outcome be one of balance not overdevelopment.

Far North Queensland Draft Regional Plan

Department of Infrastructure and Planning – August 2008

WPSQ welcomed the draft plan’s protection of the natural environment, and limitation on urban growth and urban sprawl, plus the plan’s support for non-car transport. However, the draft plan required more emphasis on the likely effects of climate change and other impacts on the valuable biodiversity of the region, including better protection for areas of highly ecological significance; and improved sustainable infrastructure provisions.

Beneficial Use of Waters Associated with Coal Seam Gas

Origin Energy – July 2008, in association with QCC

WPSQ encouraged the beneficial use of the waters associated with coal seam gas (CSG), provided its use did not have an adverse impact on the environment. CSG sourced water might prove to be a viable alternative source of water other than large dams.

National Koala Conservation Strategy

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts – July 2008

WPSQ generally welcomed the draft conservation strategy but made several additional recommendations including specific protection strategies to support urban koala populations (eg restrictions on dogs); better protection and management of habitat; better integration of the strategy at all levels of government. The translocation of koalas was opposed.

Draft Environmental Assessment of the Suitability of the Import of the Savannah Cat (Domestic Cat x Serval Hybrid Specimens) into Australia

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts – July 2008

WPSQ congratulated the federal government for the proposed amendment to the live import list to restrict the importation of the cross-bred cats, and the development of the draft assessment report. The savannah cat is a significant threat to wildlife and biodiversity and it should not be introduced into Australia.

Referral of the Nathan Dam and its pipelines to the EPBC Act

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts – July 2008, in association with QCC and EDO(Qld)

WPSQ strongly urged the Minister to exercise his powers and require SunWater to provide additional information about the dam’s direct and indirect climate change impacts, the cumulative environmental impacts of third party use of water supplied from the proposed action (specifically agricultural use) and impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance as per legal decisions from the 2004 Nathan Dam court case.

Fast tracking of Greenfield Sites

The Premier July 2008

WPSQ wrote to the Premier opposing her call to increase land supply for housing through the early release and fast track development of Greenfield sites. Among other negative outcomes, this would put pressure on existing infrastructure and impact on SEQ koala populations. Appropriate planning processes should always be followed.

East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery Regulatory Impact Statement

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries – March 2008

WPSQ opposed the introduction of gill netting and the proposal for targeted killing of rays and sharks.

Moreton Bay Draft Rezoning Plan

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation – March 2008

WPSQ supported the expansion of go-slow zones, conservation zones and National Park zones in Moreton Bay but criticised the expansions as being too limited. National Park zones were only boosted to 15% of total whereas international standards consider 30% of total as a minimum. Among other issues, WPSQ was also concerned that too much fishing activity would be allowed in conservation zones and that enforcement would be inadequate in many limited activity areas.

Boggomoss snail draft recovery plan

Department of the Environment and Water Resources – February 2008

WPSQ offered in-principle support to the plan, especially the expressed commitment to protect the snail’s habitat in collaboration with local landholders and indigenous people. However, the lack of reference to the likely impact of the proposed Nathan Dam on one of the snail population’s only two known sites lessened the value of the plan.

Draft horse riding code of conduct

Environmental Protection Agency – February 2008

WPSQ acknowledged that horse riding is a legitimate recreational pursuit but not in National Parks. This code implies that National Parks are for recreational horse riding and not their prime purpose of conserving our biodiversity. In addition, the draft code was considered to be inadequate in its detail and that EPA lacked the resources to police the provisions of the code.

Traveston EIS submission

Coordinator-General, Department of Infrastructure and Planning – January 2008

Wildlife Queensland made a submission in response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam on the Mary River. The submission criticised both the content and the process of the EIS. The statement inadequately addressed how climate change will affect the dam’s impacts, the impact on species known to be endangered and other species, and failed to address alternatives to dams. Statements in the EIS were based on inadequate data, failed to address the terms of reference and did not deal with the Queensland Government’s obligations under federal protocols and agreements. Wildlife Queensland pointed out the implications of the impacts of the dam on the Great Sandy Strait environment and endangered species that live in the Mary River.

Read the full submission

For information on past issues and submissions, go to Archive.

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, email or call us on +61 7 3221 0194.

Last updated: November 2008