Queensland Museum today launched a new gallery, Wild State which celebrates the state’s wild and unparalleled beauty and its habitats.

Wild State presents Queensland’s spectacular biodiversity in an immersive exhibition featuring 300 animals and specimens, taking visitors on a journey through five breathtaking habitats to discover why Queensland is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said Wild State formed part of a landmark A$1.4 million partnership between the Queensland Museum Network and BHP Billiton to communicate the importance and value of Queensland’s precious biodiversity.

“Queensland is Australia’s most naturally diverse state, home to more than 1,000 ecosystem types, 70% of Australia’s mammals, 80% of its native birds and more than 50% of its reptiles, frogs and plant species,” said the Premier.

“Wild State highlights the extreme beauty, yet fragile nature of Queensland’s distinctive biodiversity and explores how we need to protect and preserve these natural assets for future generations.

“I commend Queensland Museum for delivering a spectacular exhibition and encourage all Queenslanders to experience Wild State first-hand.”

Queensland Museum Network CEO and Director Professor Suzanne Miller said Wild State not only showcases Queensland’s extraordinary biodiversity, but the work and research of the Queensland Museum.

“Queensland has more wildlife species than any other state, their habitats are varied and subject to the wild forces of nature and ultimately water: the wild, unpredictability of our oceans, coastline and water currents,” she said.

“From the arid outback to iconic eucalypt forest, tropical rainforests, sun-drenched coastal zones and teeming marine environments; Wild State showcases the incredible diversity of Queensland’s natural wonders alongside specimens from the State Collection, presenting the story of our rich natural heritage in a really visual, immersive way. It is the perfect platform to share our unique biodiversity with the world.

“Throughout the world there are just 17 mega-diverse countries, and combined they hold 70 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Australia is one of these countries, and Queensland is the most mega-diverse state.”

Wild State is presented by Queensland Museum’s unique biodiversity partner BHP Billiton and entry is free.

James Palmer Asset President BMC and NSWEC, BHP Billiton said that the outcomes of this partnership with the Queensland Museum were intrinsically linked to one of BHP Billiton’s core values – Sustainability.

“Our people at BHP Billiton are bound by a common commitment to working safely, minimising our environmental impacts and contributing to the enduring benefits of biodiverse ecosystems. We understand the challenges affecting the world’s future and we want to be part of the solution – this partnership as exclusive biodiversity partner with the Queensland Museum, is just one way in which we are tackling this challenge, with some pretty amazing and innovative tangible outcomes,” he said.

Wild State Gallery on Level Four, Queensland Museum opens on 21 October. Entry is free. Visit www.qm.qld.gov.au/wildstate for more information.