The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment
The Hon Michelle Landry MP, Member for Capricornia
Vital work to restore koala habitat along the Clarke-Connors Range in Queensland’s central region is set to receive a significant boost, thanks to a $1 million investment under the Morrison Government’s $18 million koala package.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the funding will help to support land managers on the ground to protect trees, replant native vegetation, control weeds, and improve grazing management and fire planning actions.
“The Clarke-Connors Range is home to an extensive and critical regional Koala population that stretches from Marlborough Hills to Collinsville in the north,” Minister Ley said.
“This area is so large that it is challenging to observe and record Koala data on our own, which is why we’re harnessing the knowledge of local landholders to help fill these gaps.
“The project is providing workshops to support land managers and other stakeholders to deliver on-ground works, develop property fire management plans and improve Koala conservation actions.
“By controlling invasive plants, regenerating native vegetation and tracking Koala movements we will be able to better prepare for any future effects of drought and changing climates on our koalas.”
Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the additional support will allow local land managers to partner with Fitzroy Basin Association to protect koalas and their habitat by adopting best practice land management techniques.
“The Fitzroy Basin Association has received $1 million from the Morrison Government’s $18 million koala package to work with Central Queensland University and local land managers to protect Koala habitat in the Clarke-Connors Range,” Ms Landry said.
“The Clarke-Connors Range is an important region for Koala conservation, and this project will have flow on benefits for other native species that share the same habitat.”
The $18 million dedicated Koala package includes $14 million for habitat restoration, $2 million for the establishment of a national monitoring program, and $2 million for Koala health.
