Funding now available to assist Queensland’s nature refuge landholders

Queensland nature refuge landholders can now apply for a share of $500,000 under round five of the Queensland Government’s Nature Refuge Landholder Grants Program to help with undertaking projects to protect and enhance the conservation value of their properties.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon noted “eligible landholders can apply for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 to undertake on-ground protects that will protect or improve the important natural and cultural values of their nature refuge.

“Projects may include weeding and revegetation activities, pest animal and plant management, or the installation of fencing to protect ecologically significant areas.

“There are 542 nature refuges right across the state covering over 4.4 million hectares – almost a third of Queensland’s total protected area.

“Queensland has the largest private protected area network in Australia protecting a diversity of ecosystems and vulnerable species.”

Since the Nature Refuge Landholder Grants Program started in 2017, more than $1.46 million had been provided to 253 landholders to allow them to carry out important environmental and conservation work on their properties.

Minister Scanlon added “Nature refuge landholders are dedicated to preserving their land for future generations and play an important role in supporting the Queensland Government’s commitment to grow and better manage the protected areas in Queensland.

“These landholders are doing a fantastic job and are helping to ensure the ongoing success of Queensland’s Private Protected Area Program.”

The grants are open to eligible landholders with an existing nature refuge on their properties. Applications for this round of funding close on Monday 6th December 2021.

Further information on how to apply for a Nature Refuge Landholder Grant is available at: Small Grants for Nature Refuge Landholders | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government

Image courtesy Queensland Trust For Nature