Queensland’s native plants and animals play an important role in the State’s rich biodiversity and this National Threatened Species Day (September 7), Queenslanders are encouraged to celebrate the great work that is being done to protect threatened species into the future.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is proud of the programs it invests in, and the initiatives it delivers, to help the conservation of our threatened species.
“There are currently 955 species listed as threatened in Queensland, 224 animals and 731 plants,” Minister Enoch said.
“From the recovery of the delicate bilby, to protecting the towering trees in the Daintree, we are a world leader in conserving and protecting threatened species.
“The Palaszczuk Government is developing a new biodiversity conservation strategy to offer new direction to threatened species conservation, ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach.
“The Government’s $1.5 million Community Action Sustainability Grants program provides grants of up to $100,000 to support locally based community driven projects that protect Queensland’s unique wildlife.”
Minister Enoch said protected areas have increased by more than one million hectares under the Palaszczuk Government to protect essential habitat and they are supporting are several successful threatened species recovery programs.
“Programs to help the northern hairy-nosed wombat, greater bilby, Richmond birdwing butterfly, and the bridled nailtail wallaby, have all had a positive impact on the recovery for these species, and have even assisted other states in their conservation efforts,” Minister Enoch said.
Minister Enoch also thanked the dedicated volunteers across Queensland who care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned animals, plant native trees along wildlife corridors, help monitor and relocate turtle nests and record migratory wading birds along our coasts.
“These volunteers play a critical role in hands-on conservation projects and help increase community awareness, appreciation and understanding of native wildlife.
