Green Groups Shake the Money Tree

Scenic Rim property owners and environmental groups will share in more than $100,000 of funding under Council's Environmental Grants Program for 2018-19.

Although the total value of funding applications exceeded Council's budget for the year, all 22 applicants were successful in securing support for their efforts to maintain habitats for native plants and animals through their participation in the Land for Wildlife initiative or specific environmental projects.

A major beneficiary was Tamborine Mountain Landcare, for its vegetation corridors regeneration project.

Division 1 Councillor Nigel Waistell paid tribute to Tamborine Mountain Landcare's dedicated band of volunteers who work to preserve and enhance the natural environment.

"They are a model landcare group, not only in our region but also across Australia, and should be recognised for the help they provide Council in maintaining our reserves," he said.

Corporate and Community Services Chair Cr Michael Enright said partial funding for some grant applicants had enabled Council to maximise support for worthwhile projects across the region.
"The Environmental Grants Program aims to encourage and assist the community in managing the local environment for the benefit of the region as a whole," he said.

"It supports Council's conservation strategies, enhances community understanding of our region's outstanding natural assets and raises awareness of environmental issues among members of our communities.

"As always, this year's applications were for a diverse range of projects , from re-vegetation and weed control, to the maintenance of Brigalow Scrub and native pasture protection, to re-stocking of waterways with native fish and the restoration of koala habitat."

See over the page for the full list of projects and recipients of this year's environmental grants.