- The Palaszczuk Government has purchased Spadely Station on Curtis Island to add to Queensland’s protected areas estate
- The land includes estuarine wetlands and habitat for migratory birds and threatened fauna species and its shoreline supports nesting habitat for the vulnerable flatback turtle.
- The purchase is the first aligned with the government’s Eco-tourism Plan for Queensland’s Protected Areas.
- The Department of Environment and Science will undertake a master planning exercise to identify potential new visitor experiences and eco-tourism opportunities.
The stunning landscapes and unique environments of Curtis Island will be further protected and celebrated under a new Queensland-first partnership.
The Palaszczuk Government has purchased the island’s Spadely Station from Bakara Investments Pty Ltd to add the land to Queensland’s protected areas estate, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to partner with the company to boost eco-tourism and visitor numbers on the island.
Bakara Investments runs an existing eco-tourism operation on land adjacent to Spadely Station.
The Department of Environment and Science will undertake a master planning exercise to identify potential new visitor experiences and eco-tourism opportunities that will encourage even more people to experience the island’s rich history and natural wonders.
The purchase of Spadely Station is the first ‘eco-tourism adjacency’ acquisition since the release of Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030 and Eco-tourism Plan for Queensland’s Protected Areas 2023-2028, and was funded under the Palaszczuk Government’s historic investment of $262.5 million to expand and manage Queensland’s protected areas.
The land on Spadely Station includes estuarine wetlands and habitat for migratory birds and threatened fauna species, such as the false water-rat and the Capricorn yellow chat.
The property is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and its shoreline supports nesting habitat for the vulnerable flatback turtle.
The acquisition will also enable the gradual de-stocking of Spadely Station which will make the northern part of Curtis Island free of domestic stock, helping to ensure the protection of the highly significant wetlands and habitats.
The purchase of Spadely Station also complements the Palaszczuk Government’s $6 million Great Barrier Reef Island Arks Acquisition project which increases reef island protection by acquiring high conservation value islands (or parts of them) to add to Queensland’s protected area estate.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard:
“Curtis Island remains one of central Queensland’s hidden secrets, with wind-sheared scrublands, diverse birdlife and pristine beaches.
“We are looking forward to working with Bakara Investments to maximise every opportunity to enhance the eco-tourism experience on the island and make it a first choice for people looking to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings off the central Queensland coast.
“We will soon engage a consultant to facilitate the eco-tourism master planning project that will explore, design and guide future conservation, restoration and eco-tourism opportunities across Curtis Island.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe:
“We know there is a real global appetite for more immersive, meaningful eco-tourism experiences and the purchase of Spadely Station will help draw those visitors to Curtis Island.
“Eco-tourism is central to the Palaszczuk Governments industry led Towards Tourism 2032 strategy, that invests in Queensland’s unique and pristine visitor destinations, supporting good local tourism jobs while celebrating our great lifestyle.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher:
“Conserving the natural landscape of our region is so important and Curtis Island is home to precious flora and fauna.
“This land includes estuarine wetlands and habitat for migratory birds and threatened fauna species, which will now be protected into the future.
“I am a proud supporter of eco-tourism in this region and am excited to see new opportunities on Curtis Island.”
Quotes attributable to Pat O’Driscoll, Bakara Investments:
“The Queensland Government’s purchase of Spadely Station is exciting news for environmental protection and for eco-tourism in our region.
“At Cape Keppel Beach, John and I are looking forward to working together with the government on the Curtis Island Master Plan. There is lots to be done to highlight the many eco-tourism opportunities on Curtis Island.
“Cape Keppel is a jewel waiting to be enjoyed by many and easily is accessible by boat or plane.”
Quotes attributable to John Morris, Bakara Investments:
“After years of dreaming our two families have finally begun a ‘legacy project’ at Cape Keppel Beach.
“We now offer a boutique eco-tourism retreat on 467 ha adjacent to the former cattle station.
“Pat and I are thrilled to be working with the Minister and her team to realise our dream and advance the exciting projects before us within the Conservation Park”.
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
Queensland’s terrestrial protected areas now cover more than 14.5 million hectares, or 8.38% of the state’s total land area.
