Funding allocated to protect Queensland’s threatened species

Coinciding with World Environment Day - celebrated annually on 5th June - Queensland’s 2022 Budget will allocate almost $40 million to help protect the state’s native threatened species including koalas at risk across the south-east.

QLD Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said $24.6 million will support the further implementation of the State Government’s South East Queensland Koala Strategy 2020-2025.

Minister Dick advised “this budget funding will underpin critical actions needed to help stop the decline of our koala population, protecting and restoring key koala habitats as we work towards increasing koala numbers over time.”

QLD Minister for the Environment Meaghan Scanlon noted that in addition to the significant expansion of koala habitat restoration programs, the State Government will target funding towards reducing the threat to koalas in identified hotspots.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Chief Veterinarian Dr Michael Pyne said the funding will go a long way in the fight to save threatened koalas in the south-east highlighting “this much needed contribution from the Queensland Government will help see more habitat restored, research and for support organisation to protects our koalas, including at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary which see over 500 koalas every year.” 

Unfortunately there are currently 1026 species (243 animals and 783 plants) listed as threatened under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act.

Minister Dick said $14.7 million will also be invested to support Queensland’s Threatened Species Program, which assesses, protects and recovers Queensland species most at risk of extinction.

“Queensland is recognised internationally for its enormous global biodiversity, being home to thousands of species of national and global significance,” he said.

“This includes around 85% of Australia’s mammals, 72% of native birds, and more than 50% of native reptiles and frogs.

“This funding will address three priority areas: recovery programs, policy, and threatened species assessment.”

Minister Scanlon said recovery programs are crucial for managing and conserving threatened species, but they rely on a coordinated response to be delivered effectively.

“We’ll be providing additional support to Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, community groups, non-government organisations, land managers, and the research community,” Minister Scanlon said.

“There has never been a more urgent time for government to invest in the protection and recovery of its threatened species.”

More information on Queensland’s Threatened Species Program