Queensland Government funds community-led threatened species action

With National Threatened Species Day being commemorated across Australia on 7th September to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction, the Queensland Government has today announced grants of up to $25,000 for community-led projects aimed at protecting threatened animals and plants.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said local land care groups, NRM groups, First Nations organisations, non-government organisations and universities were eligible to apply.

Minister Scanlon notes “Queensland is home to thousands of native fauna and flora – they’re big part of our a great lifestyle. And it’s why we need to protect those particularly vulnerable species.”

Minister Scanlon said it built on close to $40 million locked in during this year’s budget for koalas and other threatened species across the state and added “funding is on the table for things like habitat restoration, surveys and mapping and education programs that will drive real change for our threatened species.”

Queensland is recognised for its biodiversity, being home to thousands of species of national and global significance including around 85% of Australia’s mammals, 72% of native birds, and more than 50% of native reptiles and frogs.

Funding will be provided for species listed as ‘threatened’ in the Commonwealth Government’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 or the Queensland Government’s Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Minister Scanlon continued “the grant program provides vital funding to eligible organisations for innovative solutions that aim to address climate change, protect unique wildlife and conserve our natural and built environment.

“These projects have protected our important heritage buildings, prevented tonnes of rubbish entering the environment, provided protection for our threatened species and will help us reach zero net emissions by 2050.”

To apply or for more information head to www.qld.gov.au/csagrants