Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs

The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

More than $1 million in grants is now available to help nature refuge owners in Queensland protect the environment and repair severe damage caused by recent natural disasters.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said landholders could now apply for a share in $800,000 as part of the Palaszczuk 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 Palaszczuk 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.

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

“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.

“Property owners can 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.”

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.

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

“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, December 6.

To apply or for more info, head to: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/parks/protected-areas/private

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078