Environmental grants an investment in Scenic Rim's natural assets

Individual and community projects to help protect threatened species including koalas, platypus and greater gliders, as well as combat invasive weeds, have been supported by Scenic Rim Regional Council's environmental grants totalling almost $180,000. 

Endorsed at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting, the funding under the 2024-2025 Environmental Grants Program reflects Council's commitment to working with the Scenic Rim community to preserve and enhance the region's unique natural environment. 

Scenic Rim's Parks and Biodiversity Portfolio Councillor Amanda Hay said Council's allocation of $179,942 in grants represented an excellent return on investment for the community with the total value of works to be completed estimated at almost $520,000. 

"Of the 72 applications received, 16 will be fully funded and 13 will receive partial funding which will ensure the maximum benefit from projects to be carried out across the region," she said. 

"Where possible, some projects will also be supported through other Council initiatives including the One Million Trees Program. 

"This not only offers trees but also a variety of native tube stock plants for projects ranging from erosion control to butterfly, bird and insect gardens, food for koalas and plantings to encourage greater biodiversity or fill gaps in creek lines." 

Projects by Scenic Rim residents and community groups which have been supported through the environmental grants include the control of invasive weeds and the regeneration of bushland as well as the restoration of creeks and riparian areas. 

Plantings for koala corridors, the protection of platypus habitat and the installation of nest boxes for greater gliders, which will be monitored by wildlife cameras, and the recovery of habitat following the 2023 Christmas Night storm, are among projects to be undertaken across the Scenic Rim. 

"The Scenic Rim is renowned for its biodiversity and, while it is home to many large national parks, much of the remaining native habitat in our region is found on private properties," Cr Hay said. 

"Landowners have an important part of play in helping to preserve our region's wide variety of native plants and animals and healthy ecosystems.

"The Environmental Grants Program is very much a partnership between Council and the community, contributing to the protection, enhancement and sustainability of the Scenic Rim region. 

"The tremendous interest of landholders and local community groups and organisations in helping to protect and enhance the natural environment is shown in the increasing number of grant applications each year."