Over $1 million available to restore Queensland nature refuges

Nature refuge owners in Queensland can now apply for a share in more than $1 million in grants is to protect the environment and repair severe damage caused by recent natural disasters.

Landholders can now apply for grants of between $2500 and $25,000 to undertake on-ground projects that will protect or improve the natural and cultural values of their nature refuge.

The $800,000 is part of the Queensland Government’s Nature Refuge Landholder Grants Program for projects like weeding and revegetation, pest animal and plant management, or the installation of wildlife-friendly fencing.

At the same time, the State Government has partnered with the Australian Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to make a further $300,000 available to restore their properties after a devastating year of natural disasters.

QLD Environment Minister Scanlon notes “Queensland is home to the largest private protected area network in Australia, covering some 4.4 million hectares.

“These properties protect a diversity of ecosystems and threatened species, complementing our existing national park system and recently announced commitment of $262.5 million to expand Queensland’s protected area estate.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt said the disaster recovery funding would provide grants of between $2500 and $10,000 for projects that rehabilitate and restore cyclone, rain and flood-affected environments and improves the property’s resilience for future disaster events.

Minster Watt advised “Floods, fires and storms devastated Queensland communities, and many of our natural ecosystems and habitats were not immune.

“The funding is available to landholders in select local government areas and includes projects such as re-establishing vegetation in flood-affected areas, surveying and mapping of affected areas to assess impact levels and pest and weed management.”

Minister Scanlon said landholders can apply for both grant rounds provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

“Nature refuge landholders are dedicated to protecting and improving their land and play an important role in supporting the Queensland Government’s commitment to grow and better manage the protected areas in Queensland,” Minister Scanlon said.

Applications for the NRLG6 and Nature Refuge Disaster Recovery grants will be open until 4pm, 6th December.

To apply or for more information go to www.qld.gov.au/environment/parks/protected-areas/private