The Queensland Government has declared the 228,657-hectare Pilungah Reserve, southwest of Mount Isa as the state’s third Special Wildlife Reserve.
The region, which is owned by Bush Heritage Australia, supports migratory waterbirds, long‑dormant plant species, contains fossil sites and has one of the world’s most diverse reptile communities.
The declaration means the Special Wildlife Reserve, which was formally known as Cravens Peak Nature Refuge, is now protected forever from other land uses such as mining.
The landowner Bush Heritage Australia has prepared a management plan to guide conservation activities across the reserve, which includes ongoing work to manage pest animals and invasive weeds, protect habitats and monitor wildlife across the landscape.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the declaration showed how the Government was further safeguarding Queensland’s protected area estate in a practical and responsible way.
“Queenslanders want to see important landscapes protected, but they also want to know the land is being properly managed,” Minister Powell said.
“Special Wildlife Reserves allow us to partner with conservation organisations and landholders to protect significant landscapes while ensuring active land management continues.”
Bush Heritage Australia CEO, Rachel Lowry said Pilungah Reserve was a remote, vast land of immense beauty, irreplaceable cultural heritage and extraordinary ecosystems.
“Pilungah deserves the highest level of protection possible, and we welcome this decision at a time when we need to work harder than ever to protect what we have left,” Ms Lowry said.
“Special Wildlife Reserve legislation is a powerful tool enabling us to work hand in hand with Traditional Custodians and the Government to achieve this together, on behalf of all Australians.”
Wangkamahdla Traditional Custodian, Avelina Tarrago said that Special Wildlife status was the result of years of work advocating for Country against the threats posed by activities such as mining.
“There are a number of sites on Wangkamahdla Country, including at Pilungah Reserve, that contain the largest concentration and variety of Aboriginal petroglyphs in Queensland,” Ms Tarrago.
“It’s very significant for us that we’re able to achieve this Special Wildlife status to protect the integrity of these sites and stories and ensure they are preserved into the future.
“It shows that these are important issues that require our collective attention, and that it is worth the effort to advocate for these outcomes – because they are possible.”
Other special wildlife reserves include Edgbaston Special Wildlife Reserve and Pullen Pullen Special Wildlife Reserve.
