Community projects in the Toowoomba Region will be eligible for grant funding to support the recovery and protection of local Koala populations.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said grants of up to $200,000 will be offered for on-ground community projects and local activities that support the recovery and protection of the nationally listed Koala populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
“This will be the first of two $5 million grant rounds to help give communities the tools they need to make a difference for local populations,” Minister Ley said.
“Individual grants of up to $200,000 will be made available to improve Koala habitat, health and our knowledge of populations.
“The funding is part of the $50 million Koala package announced in 2022, which has taken the Morrison Government’s overall spending on koalas to more than $74 million.”
Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton said that the grants were another example of the Morrison Government working with communities to deliver practical on-ground programs.
“The Toowoomba Region communities are proud of the local environment and care strongly about Koala populations.
“I encourage individuals or eligible groups to start preparing their ideas ahead of the grant round opening later this year.”
Grant guidelines are available on the Australian Government’s Business Grants Hub website, with the first round anticipated to open in May 2022.
The guidelines highlight 3 key goals:
- improve the extent, quality and connectivity of Koala habitat and reduce local threats
- increase understanding and management of disease and injury affecting Koala health and lift capability in on-ground care, treatment and triage of koalas, and
- improve data and knowledge of Koala populations and health across their range, to support effective decision making and conservation action.
Grant guidelines: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/koala-conservation-and-protection-community-grants-round-1
