The Albanese Labor Government is investing $8 million to better protect koalas in Central Queensland.
The funding will support two projects in the Mackay Region to create and restore more than 2000 hectares of koala habitat.
The Government will deliver $4.5 million for the Fitzroy Basin Association in the Clarke Connors Range and areas east of Nebo, and $3.5 million for Reef Catchments (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac) Ltd around Sarina.
The projects will carry out activities like the planting of koala friendly trees, removing large woody weeds that prevent koalas moving between existing koala habitat and are a fire risk, and using fencing and grazing management to protect koala habitat and boost regeneration. They will work with First Nations groups, and support landholders to better protect koalas on their land.
This investment is part of the Government’s more than $76 million Saving Koalas Fund to better protect koalas and repair koala habitat.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek:
“No-one wants to imagine an Australia without the koalas. The Albanese Labor Government is making sure our kids and grandkids will still be able to see koalas in the wild.
“Communities across Australia play a crucial role in protecting and conserving this beloved animal. This funding is about supporting local groups to do what they do best – getting communities involved in protecting this iconic species.
“Through our Saving Koalas Fund, we are investing in projects that will help Koalas not only survive – but thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
“Koalas are incredibly important to Queensland’s eco system. This project will work with local community groups across the Mackay region to restore koala habitats.
"These projects will plant thousands of trees, suitable for koala sanctuaries, and remove invasive weeds like lantana that prevent koalas moving from one tree to another.
“The funding provided through the Saving Koalas Fund will support Central Queensland’s koala population to survive and thrive.”
