Council
18 September, 2023
$4.2m funding pledge to further protect our endangered koalas
THE State Government has marked National Threatened Species Day by announcing it will provide $4.2 million to environmental organisation Healthy Land and Water to further protect the iconic koala.
The funds will be used to deliver a range of initiatives to address the threats impacting koala populations.
Koalas face unprecedented challenges due to habitat loss, disease, climate change, bushfires and attacks by domestic and wild dogs.
Healthy Land and Water will engage local governments across south east Queensland to deliver koala threat management initiatives over the next three years.
Healthy Land and Water will focus on identified priority threat areas and align with the SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy to reduce the impacts from disease, injury and mortality rates on koalas.
Acting Premier, Steven Miles, said this grant further demonstrates the state government’s commitment to making sure people can continue to see these beautiful critters for generations to come.
“It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve their future and signals a united effort across government and community to safeguard the future for koalas and the unique ecosystems they inhabit.”
Healthy Land and Water Chief Executive Officer, Julie McLellan, said this funding is as vital as it is timely, as it facilitates the expansion and continuation of the ongoing critical efforts to support koala conservation.
“We are excited to continue working from each end of the spectrum – from directly restoring habitat through to enabling land managers and the community with the capacity to contribute to koala conservation.
“Initiatives that will be delivered through this new funding are critical to koala protection in priority areas and is firmly backing the highly collaborative approach with governments, community, Traditional Owners, and researchers as the key to success."
