Queensland has added a new national park to its collection, sparking thoughts that Bramwell Station in Cape York could be the next in line.
The Lakes, a former grazing property north of Hughenden, will increase Queensland’s protected area estate by 35,300 hectares, with the state government now finalising the multi-million-dollar purchase.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said it was the largest acquisition yet undertaken under Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030, a major plan to support the growth and management of our national parks and other protected areas.
“This purchase will ensure the future preservation of valuable, undisturbed ecosystems and habitat that will link up to an existing network of protected areas in the region,” she said.
“As it transitions into a national park, we will also explore ways to make it accessible for visitors who will definitely want to experience the incredible lakes, birdlife and walks for themselves.
“The Palaszczuk government is investing $28 million over four years for public protected area expansion with more than 14 million hectares across Queensland now protected in some way.
“Careful negotiations are currently under-way on other high-quality properties as I am determined to increase our protected areas to deliver a world-class protected area system for our state.”
Ms Scanlon said The Lakes straddled the Great Dividing Range and was within the Einasleigh Uplands and Gulf Plains bioregions.
“These regions have plains, woodlands, escarpments, creeks, and unique high-altitude lakes that support a wide range of important flora and fauna,” she said.
Last year, Bramwell Station was thought to have been sold to the state government for around $11.5 million, but the deal fell over at the eleventh hour as both parties did due diligence on the sale.
The Department of Environment and Science backed away when questioned about it.
“The government continues to progress discussions and contractual arrangements with the vendor about Bramwell Station,” a DES spokesperson said in August.
“We will have more to announce once that is finalised.”
Bramwell Station was sold to beef producers Wendy Kozicka and Vince Bowyer in 2002 for less than $1 million.
Back then, the station only featured the homestead and machinery sheds.
The tourist park and roadhouse were built by Ms Kozicka and Mr Bowyer. The Queensland government attempted to purchase Bramwell Station back in 2002 but was a losing bidder.
Ms Kozicka said she was reluctant to comment on the auction or the sale as negotiations were still continuing.
“As far as we are concerned it is still business as usual at Bramwell,” she said.
“If the sale doesn’t go through it will still be business as usual for us – we won’t be disappointed because we love the place.”
This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 8 February 2022.
Related stories: Bramwell sold at auction but state could withdraw; Queensland Government buys Bramwell Station; Could the state buy Bramwell Station?; Major property purchase to become Queensland’s newest national park.
