Protected Area Boost For Mackay & Whitsundays

National parks across Mackay and the Whitsundays are set to benefit from the Queensland Government's latest investment in protected areas, with expansions announced for Eungella National Park, Homevale National Park and Molle Islands National Park.

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The additions form part of the Government's commitment to grow Queensland's protected area network, with more than 82,000 hectares added statewide and $111 million allocated in the 2026-27 State Budget to support future acquisitions and park management.  

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Among the local additions, Eungella National Park received the largest increase, with 9,136 hectares added, while a new 992-hectare Eungella Conservation Park has also been established. Homevale National Park near Bowen expanded by approximately 290 hectares and Molle Islands National Park in the Whitsundays increased by 4.6 hectares. The investment will support the strategic acquisition of environmentally significant land while continuing practical, on-the-ground worksuch as pest and weed management, fire preparedness and improvements to visitor infrastructure.

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Statewide, the expansion includes the creation of Dhuny Yumba (Home of the Wombat) National Park near St George, protecting critical habitat for the endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat. Since November 2024, more than 259,000 hectares have been added to Queensland's protected area network.

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Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Queenslanders expected practical action to protect the places that make the State unique.

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“Queensland is home to some of the most remarkable natural places anywhere in the world, and it’s our responsibility to protect them for the generations that follow,” Minister Powell said.

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“That’s why we’re taking a practical approach - protecting the right places, investing in looking after them properly and making sure they continue to support regional communities, local jobs and visitors for generations to come. This is about growing Queensland’s protected areas sensibly and strategically, while making sure we never lose sight of the job of caring for the places we already have.”

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The protected area investment forms part of the Government's broader commitment of $139 million over four years, including $34 million ongoing each year to expand Queensland's protected areas and improve visitor experiences.

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For communities across Mackay and the Whitsundays, the latest additions reinforce the importance of preserving some of the region's most iconic natural landscapes while supporting tourism and recreation opportunities for years to come.

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