Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz has announced $691,482 for further bushfire recovery projects in the region, for the regeneration of native wildlife and habitat following the Black Summer bushfires.
Mr Buchholz said the region was hit hard by the bushfires and the community was continuing to work hard so residents, businesses and the environment could recover, and the Morrison Government was providing support for the locally lead recovery effort.
“I am pleased with the announcement we are making to provide almost $700,000 in funding support to local community groups, to restore native habitats and help our flora and fauna recovery.
“Our partnership with Landcare Australia is linking local groups with the funding they need to undertake important project and to see the roll-out of this funding go to where the local community knows it is needed.
“These new projects across our region, from the hinterland, over the Scenic Rim and into the Lockyer Valley will not only directly support native species recovery, but also provide benefit for bushfire-affected communities and landholders.
“Here in this region, our small businesses rely on day tourists, we’ve got any number of eco-tourist businesses and accommodation providers, these have been hit hard during the bushfires and now COVID-19.
More than 100 new bushfire recovery projects have been selected to aid in the recovery of native wildlife and habitat in seven regions severely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires – part of a $14 million Morrison Government commitment.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said Landcare Australia and the National Landcare Network are co-ordinating the projects which range from South-East Queensland to the NSW north and south coasts, the Blue Mountains, Australian alpine areas, East Gippsland and Kangaroo Island.
“Our unique native plants and animals are already benefitting thanks to the on-the-ground efforts from Landcare and other community groups, but there is still work to be done,” Minister Ley said.
“These new projects will build on the broad range of recovery activities already being carried out by Landcare and other community groups in the wake of the fires.
“The Morrison Government is committed to the recovery of our wildlife and habitats – it is vitally important that we continue to do this work so that our native iconic species, can return to their natural environments and thrive.”
Mr Buchholz said he looked forward to seeing the various projects underway and funding flowing.
“This additional grant money will see the installation of artificial hollows, deliver workshops, provide camera trapping surveys, see the purchase of equipment needed on the ground, reduce fire loads and much more.
“Our local environment, world-class and world-heritage areas attract tourists and restoring our local environment is not just good for animal habitat, it is good for landholders, the community and small businesses,” Mr Buchholz said.
To date, the Morrison Government has committed $200 million for wildlife and habitat recovery through the $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund. A list of the 111 Landcare grant projects can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/bushfire-recovery/activities-and-outcomes
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