Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

Queensland Government is now in caretaker mode until after the state election. We won’t be able to reply to political comments and they may be deleted. Content posted here by members of the public does not necessarily represent the views of the Queensland Government.

Exploring nature is a fantastic way to relax, stay fit, and connect with the environment. To ensure your safety in our Queensland National Parks and Forests, it’s important to choose trails that match your experience and fitness level. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hiker, we’ve got the perfect trail for you. Discover our track classifications 👇 🚩 Grade 1: Easy walks on flat surfaces with no steep sections. Perfect for all skill levels. Up to 5km. 🚩 Grade 2: Still easy, with occasional gentle hills and steps. Ideal for those looking for a bit more challenge. Up to 10km. 🚩 Grade 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Includes some steep sections and rough surfaces. Up to 20km. 🚩 Grade 4: Designed for experienced walkers. Longer, rougher, and steeper trails. 🚩 Grade 5: Expert-level hikes with very rough, steep, and unmarked tracks. Only for those with specialised skills and experience. By choosing the right trail, you can avoid the need for search and rescue missions caused by inexperienced or unprepared walkers tackling challenging routes. Enjoy your adventure safely!

Over $2.1 million will be invested in Gold Coast's environmental health, water quality and sewerage network improvements. 🙌   This significant milestone is the result of DESI's investigation into the impact of the Albert River sewage spill, leading to an enforceable undertaking with the City of Gold Coast Council. An enforceable undertaking is a tool under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 that sets out actions that must be carried out to remedy any environmental harm, prevent further occurrences and address non-compliance issues to ensure compliance with the Act and enhance the protection of the environment. Key requirements of the enforceable undertaking include: - A $1.1M project to remove weeds and plant native vegetation at August Burrow Park, Alberton that will improve the condition of the wetlands, improve water quality, provide better habitat connectivity and improve the biodiversity and resilience of the ecosystem - A $120,000 project to remove weeds and plant native vegetation at Halls Road Nature Reserve, Luscombe - More than $1M project to design and implement an enhanced sewer network monitoring project that will significantly reduce the risk of future sewage spills - The provision of high value scientific data to DESI and industry - Substantial improvements to infrastructure management systems and processes including condition assessments of all high-risk infrastructure.   Council will be undertaking key upgrades, including better leak detection systems and enhanced monitoring of the network. 🤝   This decision reflects our dedication to fixing environmental impacts, preventing future issues and ensuring stronger protections for the environment. #QueenslandEnvironment

A $6 million program is set to help improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) by working with landholders to improve grazing practices in GBR catchments.🌊🐟 Six successful offers have been made to natural resource management organisations and agri-businesses that will be funded to work with graziers to improve: ⬆ Land condition ⬆Pasture utilisation ⬆ Profitability outcomes ⬇ While reducing soil loss to waterways and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef. Graziers in the Burdekin, Fitzroy, Mackay Whitsunday and Burnett Mary regions should look out for opportunities through the Grazing Practice Change Program from September 2024. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/giskkHH4 The Grazing Practice Change Program is a part of the Queensland Government’s $125.1 million Supporting Agricultural Industries within the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. #QueenslandEnvironment

New funding to protect some of Queensland's most important watercourses 👏 Congratulations to the ten community groups that will share in more than $1.2 million of funding for projects that will improve the health of watercourses within eligible bioregions across Queensland, including the Wet Tropics, Mitchell Grass Downs, Cape York Peninsula and the Brigalow Belt. Successful projects include weed and pest control activities, fire management, riverbank stabilisation, erosion control and revegetation activities in some of the state's most iconic watercourses, including the Darr and Thompon Rivers, the Russell and Annan Rivers as well as the MacIntyre River. Healthy waterways are crucial for our unique ecosystems and the communities that rely on them, this funding will help immensely to conserve and improve them 💙 📸 MacIntyre River, Visit Queensland

From Smart State to Quantum State, Queensland is taking the lead with a $53 million investment. The Queensland Government is propelling us into a new era of quantum and advanced technologies with a ground breaking investment of $53 million! 🔬 Here’s what’s happening: $28.1 million for the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Commercialisation Infrastructure Program, establishing six cutting-edge facilities. $10 million for the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance, tackling decarbonisation through quantum innovations. New funding of $6 million for the @Queensland Quantum Academy, preparing our future innovators. 🌏 Why it matters: Revolutionises industries from sports tech to environmental sustainability. Transforms computing, communications, and health with quantum breakthroughs. Drives innovation and attracts investment, positioning Queensland at the forefront of global advancements. Queensland is the first Australian state with a comprehensive quantum strategy, building on over 30 years of expertise and fostering a diverse, inclusive future for the industry. 🌟 Dive into the quantum opportunity and explore the Queensland Quantum Academy’s programs through our virtual portal here: https://lnkd.in/ga8QTheS

Applications for the National Soil Action Plan Graduate Program open tomorrow! 📢 The National Soil Action Plan Graduate Program is a new initiative to accelerate the training and development of six graduate scientists in both western and traditional methodology. 👩🎓👨🎓Graduates will receive training in pedology, soil survey and basics of soil chemistry and soil physics alongside traditional soil knowledge and spiritual conservation practices, to launch meaningful careers in soil science. Graduates encouraged to apply will be: 🎓 Passionate about preserving and restoring the health of Queensland soils. 🎓 Have an interested in improving soil management in agricultural, natural resource and environmental industries.  🎓 Are a recent graduate with a degree in environmental science, agricultural science, or similar. Applications close on 1 November. To find out more and apply, visit 👉 https://lnkd.in/ghZtivBd #QueenslandScience #QueenslandEnvironment

Earlier this month one of our 2024 Engaging Science Grants recipients dove into some coral surveys for the Aquatic Practices project off the shores of Great Keppel Island! 🤿 Organised by Brisbane Adventist College, the program works to connect urban school students with citizen science opportunities while fostering a deeper understanding of environmental conservation 🌏. Working with accredited ecotourism operators, students have started conducting coral monitoring surveys and contributing valuable data to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Eye on the Reef Program. 🙌 To learn more about the project, visit: https://lnkd.in/g5dHeF4Q #QueenslandEnvironment #QldScience

For our Moreton Bay Marine Park research team, lassoing and tagging a grey nurse shark is all in a day's work! 🤠    Although the grey nurse shark is often dubbed the Labrador of the sea and is not considered a threat to people, years of training and preparation goes into these procedures to ensure the safety of the team and the sharks.     Faced with threats from fishing and slow breeding rates, the grey nurse shark needs support for a sustainable future as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems by feeding on fish, squid and octopus, smaller sharks, rays and crustaceans. ☯️🦈 By tagging these magnificent creatures, the data collected helps us: ✔ Uncover vital shark migration patterns   ✔ Identify key shark habitats for protection   ✔ Help pinpoint potential breeding grounds   ✔ Provide essential data for safeguarding the species To find out more on the work we do to protect grey nurse sharks visit: https://lnkd.in/g9Qzwtv7    📸 Images courtesy of Carley Fitzpatrick #QueenslandEnvironment #threatenedspecies  

Meet Dr Jenny Molyneux, Senior Conservation Officer with the Threatened Species Operations team. 👋   Dr Jenny and her team work in recovery projects for threatened species, focusing on the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats which are the largest and rarest wombat species 🤎. Fossil records show that these wombats were once widespread, but with 95% of the population now existing in one location, the species is under threat. To reduce this threat, two additional populations have been established in the species’ former range. Along with Epping Forest National Park and Richard Underwood Nature Reserve, the newly established population at Powrunna State Forest is the third of its kind in Queensland. Earlier this year, 15 wombats were translocated to Powrunna State Forest to establish a new sub-population and another 15 will be joining them soon. This marks the halfway point toward the goal of translocating 60 wombats by 2025! 🎯 To learn more about the Norther Hairy-Nosed Wombat, visit 👉https://lnkd.in/gJ6icfMf  #QueenslandEnvironment #ThreatenedSpecies