The Hon. Murray Watt, Federal Minister for Environment and Water; The Hon. Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism (Qld), Joint Media Release, 15 June 2026
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have partnered with the City of Gold Coast to deliver Australia’s first council-managed Conserved Area.
McCoys Creek Wetland, located east of Pimpama, has been recognised as Australia’s second Conserved Area and the first to be managed by a local government authority.
Conserved areas are put in place to ensure sites with biodiversity, such as threatened species, are looked after in a way to protect the plants and animals alongside other land uses.
The 146-hectare McCoys Creek Wetland site forms part of the Gold Coast’s Northern Koala Corridor and is home to a range of threatened species, including the tusked frog, water mouse, koala and Moreton Bay lily.
It also supports seven distinct regional ecosystems, two federally listed threatened ecological communities, and Ramsar-listed wetlands, highlighting its significant environmental value.
McCoys Creek Wetland is the first local government reserve to achieve Conserved Area recognition and is Queensland’s second Conserved Area after Weranga Scarps was recognised in 2025.
The land’s “Conserved Area” status comes under the National Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) Framework, introduced by the Australian Government.
Conserved Areas, alongside Protected Areas, contribute to our national target to protect and conserve 30 per cent of land by 2030. They provide conservation in places where formal protection is not possible, appropriate or supported.
Federal Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt said Conserved Areas offer an innovative way of formally recognising biodiversity conservation.
“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting 30 per cent of land by 2030 and Conserved Areas play an important role in helping us meet this target,” Minister Watt said.
“Recognising McCoys Creek a Australia’s Second Conserved Area is a key milestone for Australia’s conservation efforts.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with states and territories to continue to protect and restore our spectacular natural environment.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the milestone demonstrated strong collaboration between levels of government.
“Queensland is proud to secure another Conserved Area, recognising the outstanding environmental value of McCoys Creek Wetland and ensuring it is protected for generations to come,” Minister Powell said.
“This is a landmark achievement as Australia’s first council-managed conserved area, showing what can be achieved when state and local governments work together to protect biodiversity.
“Conserved Areas are a practical and innovative way to balance environmental protection with sustainable land use, helping us contribute to national and global biodiversity targets.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to protecting Queensland’s natural assets, and this recognition highlights our commitment to delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s environment.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said this was a landmark achievement for the Gold Coast.
“It’s an honour to be the first local government reserve in Australia to receive this kind of recognition,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.
“This milestone supports our goal of working towards 51 per cent native vegetation cover, while protecting the Northern Koala Corridor and reinforcing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a leading destination for nature-based recreation.”
