Department of Environment and Resource Management Building Nature’s RESILIENCE A Biodiversity Strategy for Queensland Prepared by: Biodiversity Integration Unit, Natural Resources and Environment Division Department of Environment and Resource Management © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2011 This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this document is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy. If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service. (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3224 8412. This publication is available in alternative formats (including large print and audiotape) on request. Contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email <[email protected]> All images contained in this document, unless otherwise stated, belong to the Department of Environment and Resource Management. November 2011 #29893 Science tells us that biodiversity is in decline in our state Premier’s foreword and around the globe and all governments must take action to protect the natural systems that support our lifestyles and future generations. Queenslanders are uniquely positioned to make a difference now, in our lifetimes. We still have relatively high levels of biodiversity compared with many other parts of Australia and many countries around the world. We have world-class national parks, strong environmental laws, internationally recognised scientific institutions, as well as many members of our community living and working on the land and sea, dedicated to protecting our environment. This biodiversity strategy draws on the latest scientific thinking about resilience and a whole-of-landscape approach, while also recognising the many critical roles played by the Queensland community in delivering conservation success. Governments cannot act alone in protecting our biodiversity. It is the community—primary producers on the land and sea, scientists, land care and environmental groups, motivated individuals and families—acting at a local level, who hold the greatest power and potential for biodiversity conservation in the state. The strategy highlights the need for better understanding of the current and emerging threats to biodiversity, like the impacts of development and climate change, and the importance of being responsive to change. The strategy addresses the need for biodiversity conservation to be a significant consideration in government decision-making and builds in appropriate reporting arrangements. Building Nature’s Resilience: A Biodiversity Strategy for Queensland is an enduring commitment to preserving our rich environmental heritage for future generations. It is a commitment that defines a coordinated approach, recognising that government, industry, science and community must work together to protect our wealth of biodiversity and way of life. The Honourable Anna Bligh MP Premier of Queensland and Minister for Reconstruction Building Nature’s Resilience: A Biodiversity Strategy for Queensland iii Queensland is home to unique ecosystems that Minister’s message support a range of remarkable species, half of which are found nowhere else in the world. Building Nature’s Resilience: A Biodiversity Strategy for Queensland is a whole-of-state blueprint for ensuring the conservation of our special natural areas and diverse wildlife for future generations. The strategy establishes policy directions for conserving the state’s biodiversity, covering the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. It makes biodiversity the central focus of the state’s conservation efforts. The concept of ecological resilience—the ability of a species or ecosystem to recover from the impacts of stressors and threats like climate change—is central to the strategy. It is the responsibility of all Queenslanders to ensure our rich environmental heritage is protected so future generations can experience and appreciate it too. A draft strategy was released for consultation in December 2010 to provide the opportunity for all Queenslanders to have their say about the future of the environment in Queensland. My department received an overwhelming response from the Queensland community. After considering all of the feedback provided, I am pleased to present the final strategy, which will guide biodiversity conservation in Queensland over the next 10 years. Thank you to all who contributed to the development of this strategy and who are helping to shape the future for Queensland’s biodiversity. The Honourable Vicky Darling MP Minister for Environment iv Building Nature’s Resilience: A Biodiversity Strategy for Queensland Contents At a glance: targets for biodiversity in Queensland....... 1 Time to act .............................................................................. 2 Threats to Queensland’s biodiversity .......................................6 Good progress has been made ...............................................11 Foundations for a resilient landscape ........................ 17 Combining our efforts: a partnership approach ...................... 21 1. Building resilient ecosystems ................................27 1.1 Building protected areas .................................................28 1.2 Conserving species .........................................................38 1.3 Managing extent, condition and connectivity .................. 44 2. Managing adaptively .............................................51 2.1 Valuing biodiversity ........................................................52 2.2 Building knowledge ........................................................55 2.3 Managing responsively ...................................................58 Endmatter ..................................................................65 Glossary and abbreviations ...................................................66 Appendix—Initiatives for conserving biodiversity ....................71 Building Nature’s Resilience: A Biodiversity Strategy for Queensland v Queensland’s biodiversity vision: Building resilience to the anticipated effects of climate change and reversing biodiversity decline At a glance: targets for biodiversity in Queensland Queensland’s biodiversity strategy has two primary goals. By 2020 Queensland will: reverse the decline in biodiversity increase the resilience of species, ecosystems and ecological processes. To achieve these goals, the strategy lays out three primary objectives and three supporting objectives each with key outcomes. Primary objectives Supporting objectives 1. Building resilient ecosystems 2. Managing adaptively 1.1 Building protected areas 2.1 Valuing biodiversity Key outcomes Key outcomes Protected areas on public and private land provide Increased community and industry understanding, sound foundations for landscape resilience. participation and investment in biodiversity Queenslanders are connected with nature. conservation activities. Marine biodiversity is better understood, Strong partnerships between governments and between protected and valued. the Queensland Government and key industry and community sectors to support biodiversity conservation. 1.2 Conserving species Existing successful programs are consolidated and Key outcomes sufficiently resourced. Greater protection of species and their habitats. The contribution to the economy and society of ecosystem services and natural capital is valued and accounted for. At risk species populations are stabilised or recovered. 2.2 Building knowledge 1.3 Managing extent, condition and Key outcomes connectivity Decisions affecting the resilience of Queensland’s Key outcomes biodiversity are based on best available science. Early warning of potential impacts of climate change Stronger natural systems that can respond to and other threats on biodiversity and identification of threats and stressors. strategic responses. Climate change adaptation strategies that are Biodiversity benchmarks and indicators inform flexible and responsive to new information. biodiversity management practices and decisions across Improved management on privately managed lands the landscape. provides greater safeguards for biodiversity values and ecological integrity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners’ and communities’ contribution to contemporary biodiversity The contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait protection and management is recognised and valued. Islander Traditional Owners and communities to biodiversity protection and management The role of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in the broader landscape is better understood and valued. is supported. Biodiversity data is accessible and used to support better policy development and decision making. 2.3 Managing responsively Key outcomes Biodiversity is maintained, managed and/or enhanced. Government decisions are reviewed for their contribution to the achievement of biodiversity conservation outcomes. Biodiversity conservation is a core consideration of state, regional and local planning strategies and development decisions. Monitoring systems are in place