A joint media release from Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming MP, Redland City Council and SEQ Catchments.
Critical koala habitat in Redlands will be enhanced this year thanks to almost $77,000 in Federal Government funding.
Federal MP Andrew Laming said the funding would allow SEQ Catchments and Redland City Council to plant 14,200 trees along the Koala Coast, linking and enhancing koala hotspots.
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Mr Laming said the $76,900 grant, part of the Federal Government’s first round of 20 Million Trees Programme, would provide a makeover to the homes of Redlands’ much-loved furry residents.
“In Redlands we’re very proud and protective of our koala population,” Mr Laming said.
“This funding means we can enhance existing koala habitat to keep our furry friends healthy and happy.”
SEQ Catchments chief executive officer Simon Warner welcomed the funding.
“We’re pleased that the application under the new 20 Million Trees Programme to enhance koala habitat on the Koala Coast has been approved by Environment Minister Greg Hunt,” Mr Warner said.
“The project will be a partnership involving Redland City Council, private landholders and the local community, and will involve planting trees in strategic areas to enhance critical koala habitat.”
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams was thrilled the application for funding had been successful, saying it would assist regional efforts to link koala habitats.
“These koala habitat plantings will strengthen local wildlife corridors and will be a significant boost to the 38,000 koala food trees council has planted in the last five years,” Cr Williams said.
“Council will also continue its own schedule of koala tree plantings.
“It is wonderful to see stakeholders working together as the future of koalas and other native animals relies on the collaborative efforts of all levels of government, the community, scientists and businesses.”
Plantings will be located to improve connectivity and buffers between key koala habitats and be delivered over a range of locations, including sites located in Birkdale, Mount Cotton, Redland Bay and Wellington Point.
