Review of the regulations for the management of Queensland’s protected areas, recreation areas and State forests

Every ten years the Department of Environment and Science reviews the regulations used to manage different types of natural areas such as protected areas (for example national parks), recreation areas and State forests.

The purpose of the review is to ensure the regulations remain up to date with contemporary needs for managing these areas on behalf of the community.

The following survey is part of this review process. It seeks community feedback on topics where the department is considering making changes to address identified issues.

We are particularly interested in assessing any costs and benefits for users of these lands that may result from the proposed changes.

Part 1

Part 1 includes some questions about you and the type of activities you do in QPWS areas.

Part 2

Part 2 outlines the proposed changes to the legislation. This section is arranged by theme. If a theme is not of interest to you, you can skip to the next theme in the survey. The themes are:

1. Camping and campfires in QPWS areas
2. Using vehicles and aircraft in QPWS areas
3. Prohibited activities in QPWS areas
4. Permits for activities in QPWS areas.

Part 3

Part 3 provides an opportunity for you to submit any further comments.

Consultation closed at 5pm on 6 December 2023

Terms relevant to this survey

‘Private protected areas’ – means nature refuges and special wildlife reserves.

‘Protected areas’ – means national parks, national parks (scientific), national parks (Aboriginal land), national parks (Torres Strait Islander land), national parks (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land), conservation parks and resources reserves.

‘QPWS regulations’ – means the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2017, the Recreation Areas Management Regulation 2017 and the Forestry Regulation 2015.

‘Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) area’ – means protected areas such as national parks (excluding private protected areas), recreation areas and State forests and timber reserves established under the Nature Conservation Act 1992,the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 and the Forestry Act 1959 respectively.

‘Recreation areas’ - Queensland has seven recreation areas established under the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006. Recreation areas are managed either solely by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or in partnership with others. Recreation areas are:

1. K’gari (Fraser Island)
2. Green Island
3. Bribie Island
4. Inskip Peninsula
5. Cooloola
6. Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)
7. Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

Mulgumpin and Minjerribah recreation areas are managed jointly with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).

‘Regulatory notice’ – these are a type of sign that Rangers place in protected areas. There are rules about where and when regulatory signs can be used, and what content they can contain. Regulatory notices are typically used by Rangers to regulate certain activities in particular places to enable appropriate park management.

Privacy statement

The information you provide in this online survey is collected by the Department of Environment and Science (the department) to obtain your views on proposed amendments to QPWS regulations. Your email address is collected to provide you with a copy of your responses, and to enable the department to provide you with updates on the progress of the consultation process. The information provided will only be used for these purposes. The department will not otherwise use or disclose your personal information unless you agree, or the department is authorised or required by law to do so. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009. Read more about the department’s privacy information (External link).

The engagement platform is hosted by EngagementHQ, a third party cloud based service platform owned and operated by Granicus. EngagementHQ/Granicus will provide the survey responses to the department as demographic data. EngagementHQ/Granicus will not otherwise use or disclose your data without your consent.

How to complete the survey

1. Set up an In the Loop account. Setting up an account helps protect the integrity of the survey process and the results.
2. Log in and respond to the questions.
3. Click the survey button below to start.