Leading conservation not-for-profit Bush Heritage Australia, together with Bidjara Traditional Owners, have celebrated Edgbaston Reserve’s new Special Wildlife Reserve status, which sees an area north-east of Longreach permanently protected from mining, logging and grazing.
The Special Wildlife Reserve legislation is unique to Queensland, affording privately owned land the same level of statutory protection as national parks, when they protect areas of exceptional natural and cultural value.
Bush Heritage purchased Edgbaston Reserve in 2008 to protect over 100 artesian springs.
The ecological values of the reserve are exceptional, being the second most diverse springs system in the world, containing at least 35 species of plants and animals where the stronghold or all of the population is found at Edgbaston.
“This level of protection ensures the continued survival of some of the world's most unique species,” said Rachel Lowry, Bush Heritage’s Chief Executive Officer. “With this Special Wildlife Reserve legislation, we now have an unparalleled opportunity to enhance the protection of this extraordinary landscape."