There will never be mining in the Steve Irwin Wildlife reserve on Cape York.

Premier Campbell Newman announced the reserve "will be protected for all time as a vital environmental reserve" as a "strategic environmental area".

Terri and Bindi Irwin thank the premier, after he announced that Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve would be protected. Credit:Amy Remeikis

Terri and Bindi Irwin were at parliament for the announcement. Bindi, who was unaware of why she was there, said it was "probably the greatest day of of my life".

"This is so exciting, it is completely incredible and we are totally thrilled," she said.