Pilungah Reserve's Cultural and Environmental Importance
Pilungah Reserve, a significant area of land in north-western Queensland, has been granted the highest level of legal protection due to its cultural and environmental importance. The reserve is about twice the size of Brisbane.
Situated 470 km south of Mt Isa on Wangkamahdla Country, the reserve covers over 220,000 hectares. It is now a Special Wildlife Reserve, offering it statutory protection equivalent to a national park, under Queensland legislation.
Rachel Lowry, CEO of Bush Heritage Australia, stated, "Pilungah Reserve is a vast and remote beauty, whose irreplaceable cultural heritage and extraordinary ecosystems deserve the highest level of protection possible. We welcome this decision from the Queensland Government."
Collaboration with Traditional Custodians
Bush Heritage Australia collaborated closely with the Wangkamahdla Traditional Custodians to secure the Special Wildlife Reserve status. The area is home to significant cultural sites, including Aboriginal petroglyphs and ancient trade routes, with international importance.
Traditional Custodian Avelina Tarrago highlighted the importance of the status: "There are a number of sites on Wangkamahdla Country, including at Pilungah Reserve, that contain the largest concentration and variety of Aboriginal petroglyphs in Queensland."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell remarked that this declaration demonstrates the Crisafulli Government's commitment to safeguarding Queensland's landscapes. He mentioned that Special Wildlife Reserves allow partnerships with conservation organisations to protect significant areas while ensuring active land management.
The ecological significance of Pilungah Reserve is noteworthy as well. It supports the only known population of Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus in Queensland and boasts one of the most diverse reptile communities on the planet.
Bush Heritage Australia has also submitted applications for Special Wildlife Reserve status for other nature reserves, including Carnarvon Station Reserve and Ethabuka Reserve, to ensure their long-term protection.
This is only the third instance of the Queensland Government applying this legislation, and it marks the first time Special Wildlife Reserve status has been granted primarily for cultural heritage reasons. The decision highlights the importance of preserving Wangkamahdla cultural heritage and acknowledges the threats posed by activities like mining.
Avelina Tarrago added, "It's very significant for us that we're able to achieve this Special Wildlife status to protect the integrity of these sites and stories and ensure they are preserved into the future. It shows that these are important issues that require our collective attention."
Last updated: 28 April 2026, 2:04 pm
