Queenslanders offered grants to transform unused and underutilised urban spaces

Queenslanders are being offered funding from the State Government to transform unused and underutilised urban spaces through building community gardens, installing composting and recycling infrastructure and restoring native habitats.

QLD Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said grants of up to $50,000 were on offer for communities across the state and added “places where families and neighbours can gather are the beating hearts of our communities.

“We know Queenslanders are keen to create more of these spaces, grow their own produce, create thriving ecosystems and do their bit for the environment.

“Projects can include the installation of composting and recycling infrastructure at community facilities, restoration of local green spaces and the establishment or expansion of community gardens.

“It builds on our ambition to create and expand national parks and conservation spaces across Queensland with a record $262.5 million, but local green space is just as important.

Minister Scanlon said the Queensland Government had provided over $21 million to 538 projects across Queensland since the Community Sustainability Action Grants first started in 2016.

“The grant program provides vital funding to eligible community organisations and individuals for innovative solutions that aim to address climate change, protect our unique wildlife and conserve our natural and built environment.”

Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly encouraged Queenslanders to put their hand up for a grant, and said the Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (The N4C) recently received $50,000 grant through the program which supported the rehabilitation of 351 metres of Bridgewater Creek at Wembley Park, Coorparoo.

The N4C Vice President Damien Madden said their creek rehabilitation work involved reintroducing sub-tropical lowland rainforest plants to the area, which were a key aspect of many Southeast Queensland waterways before European settlement.

“The committee also removed urban waste materials and rampant weeds along the creek banks margins,” Madden said.

“The N4C highly recommends other community groups apply for Community Sustainability Action grant fundings for similar project activities.”

Applications for the Community Sustainability Spaces grants are open until 16th February 2023.

More information on how to apply can be found at www.qld.gov.au/csagrants