Wetlands
Queensland has the most diverse array of wetlands in Australia. Wetlands deliver many ecosystem services that contribute to our wellbeing—such as water and food supply, filtering of pollutants, regulation of climate and flooding, coastal protection, provision of habitat for biodiversity, and recreation and tourism opportunities.
The WetlandInfo site has a range of information about wetlands, including:
as well as many other resources.
Wetland protection and management in Queensland
The Queensland Government is directly responsible for the protection, conservation and management of wetlands in Queensland—a responsibility shared with local government and the Australian Government (for some wetlands of international significance). These responsibilities are found in laws passed by the Queensland parliament, laws of the Commonwealth, international obligations and in agreements between state, local and the federal governments.
Wetlands are integral to a wide range of landscapes. There are many different programs, policies and laws affecting wetlands, and administration of wetland areas is shared with many government agencies, local authorities and the Australian Government. Read more about wetlands programs, policy and legislation in Queensland
The State Planning Policy 4/11: Protecting Wetlands of High Ecological Significance in Great Barrier Reef Catchments (SPP 4/11) seeks to ensure that development is planned, designed, constructed and operated so as to not cause harm to the reef. Read more about the policy.
Is my property affected?
Property owners can request a map showing regulated wetland areas.
Contacts
Last updated 12 March 2012