The smallest at 1 416ha is Sarabah near Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland. To qualify for national park status, an area must meet strict criteria related to its natural heritage values. Making sure biodiversity is conserved across the state is the highest priority. Extending existing parks to make them more ecologically viable is also important. Apart from nature conservation, parks are important for cultural heritage, environmental education, scientific research and nature-based recreation.
National parks are a benchmark.
By comparing other lands with national parks, scientists can see the effects of grazing, clearing and other human impacts on the landscape. About two-thirds of Queensland's biodiversity is represented in national parks.