Scenic Rim Environmental Grants Program boosted with $50,000

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo is among the threatened species which have benefited from Council's environmental programs.

Enhancing the Scenic Rim’s natural environment has been made a priority in this year’s budget taking the existing funding amount for the Environmental Grants Program from $100,000 to $150,000. 

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said that Council was proud to partner with landowners, schools, and community groups through the program to help preserve and enhance the region's natural values. 

"The Scenic Rim is one of the most biodiverse areas in Australia and maintaining habitat for this wide range of native plant and animal species is very much a partnership between Council and the community," he said.

“Although our region is home to many large national parks, much of the remaining native habitat in the Scenic Rim is found on private property, so the conservation of native plants and wildlife and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems is very much a community effort."

The program aligns with the Scenic Rim’s shared Community Plan vision and the Biodiversity Strategy 2015-2025, which both recognise the importance of ecological balance within the Scenic Rim for its key industries of tourism and agriculture. 

Environmental grants in previous years have helped members of the Scenic Rim community to enhance habitat, restore buffers to creeks, revegetate, develop corridors for wildlife and control environmental weeds. 

Mayor Christensen said this initiative represents an investment by Council in conserving and enhancing some of our region's most valuable natural assets, our spectacular scenery and healthy environment. 

“If you are an individual or group committed to preserving the Scenic Rim's green spaces and wildlife habitats, we encourage you to find out more about how you can apply for funding," he said.

“Applications for the 2022 Environmental Grants Program open on Monday 18 July at 5pm and our Biodiversity Officers are happy to assist community members in preparing their grant applications." 

Ratepayers are also eligible for a voucher for two free trees which are sent out with rates notices to help make a difference, beginning with their own back yards.  

For more information on the free trees initiative and the Environmental Grants Program, visit www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/grants-funding-awards/environment-grants/ or call 5540 5111.