The Queensland Government says it has reached an early target in its plan to increase on-ground staffing in national parks, with more than 50 new rangers now in place across the state.
A total of 53 roles have been filled so far under the More Rangers, Better Neighbours programme, part of a broader commitment to recruit 150 additional rangers over four years for the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The intake includes a mix of experienced staff and new entrants with skills in fire management, weed control and managing invasive species.
The government has framed the milestone as progress on a key election pledge, arguing that stronger staffing levels are needed to support conservation work and improve relationships with nearby communities. Recruitment has also drawn strong interest, with more than 900 applications submitted for entry-level positions.
Plans to expand the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger workforce are also moving forward, with expressions of interest for 30 roles now closed. These positions are expected to play a role in land management and cultural stewardship, although details on timelines for appointments have not been finalised.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the additional staff would help address long-standing challenges in park management, including invasive species and fire risks. He described the programme as a shift towards more direct support on the ground.
Community and advocacy groups have broadly welcomed the increase in staffing, while pointing out that pressures on parks have grown in recent years. The National Parks Association of Queensland noted that ranger responsibilities have expanded alongside rising visitor numbers and more complex land management demands.
Friends of Parks Queensland also backed the move, highlighting the role rangers play in working with volunteers and maintaining protected areas. The group said stronger staffing can support partnerships with local communities and improve day-to-day management.
The programme has also drawn political contrast, with the current government criticising the previous administration’s approach to national parks. Such claims are contested, and environmental groups have previously argued that long-term funding and consistent policy settings matter as much as staffing numbers.
While the early recruitment figures show movement, the broader impact will depend on how quickly remaining roles are filled and how effectively the expanded workforce is deployed across Queensland’s large and diverse park network.
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