Environment Grant recipients announced

A project to map and propagate some of Noosa’s rarest trees is among the initiatives given a boost from Council’s new Environment Grants program.

Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said Council developed the Environment Grants program to support the community in achieving environment project goals.

“It offers one-off project grants of up to $30,000 annually, plus organisational grants to help environment groups cover their operating costs,” Cr Wilkie said.

Council’s Environment Manager Craig Doolan said the array of projects funded this round was exciting. Noosa & District Landcare’s rare tree project received support, as did Noosa Integrated Catchment Association’s shorebird monitoring project.

“Shorebirds travel to Noosa from Siberia, but in other parts of the world some of their habitats are declining, so it will be interesting to find out whether we are seeing the impacts of this in Noosa,” he said.

“NICA has been monitoring shorebirds for more than 10 years. This grant will support them to continue monitoring, plus analyse and report on all of the data collected so far.”

A major weeding exercise on Heathland Drive and a Gardens for Wildlife program are also set for a boost.

“Noosa Bush Beach and Creek Care is doing great work to remove Morning Glory and Singapore Daisy. It is also replanting the area with native vegetation, but more work remains to be done.”

A Gardens for Wildlife pilot program will see volunteers work with landowners in urban wildlife corridors to offer advice on ideal plants to grow to attract birds, and how to keep wildlife safe as it moves through their properties.

Council has also approved a number of three-year Alliance Grants to support environment-related community groups in their day-to-day operations.

“These Alliance Grants assist volunteers to focus on what they are passionate about – delivering services to the community and improving our environment,” Mr Doolan said.

Other groups to receive funding include Flying-fox Rescue Release Noosa, Zero Emissions Noosa and Wildcare.

In the second half of this year, Council will seek applications for multi-year collaborative grants for significant environment projects that align with Council’s Environment Strategy.

1 July 2019