The Palaszczuk Government is furthering its commitment to ensure Queensland’s threatened species are protected, with more than $1.4 million in funding announced today for 29 projects.
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said these projects included supporting groups to plant more trees to enhance habitat, and funding research to grow our understanding of a variety of species including threatened shorebirds, dolphins, quolls, snakes, frogs, butterflies and gliders.
“Another program, which I have seen first hand, will help us understand more about the Powerful Owl.
“Birdlife Australia has received $99,558 in funding for their project, which will deploy acoustic monitors and engage volunteers to undertake surveys to understand breeding locations of the Powerful Owl, which is Australia’s largest owl.”
Minister Enoch said this funding was part of the Queensland Government’s $18 million Community Sustainability Action Grants Program.
“Under this round that specifically targets projects that protect threatened species, 29 successful recipients are receiving up to $100,000 for their local conservation projects.
“This is the first time, since the Community Sustainability Action Grants Program began in 2016, that there has been a specific threatened species category.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring our threatened species are protected, and this funding will fund on-the-ground projects that help restore important habitat and conduct important research into some of Queensland’s most vulnerable flora and fauna.”
BirdLife Southern Queensland Project Officer Dr Robert Clemens said the $99,558 grant to fund research into the Powerful Owl, will be used to purchase acoustic monitors that will help determine where these owls are and identify breeding locations.
“Powerful owls have a slow, double-note ‘whoo-hoo’ call that is soft, but very strong and resonant, and can be heard more than 1km away,” Dr Clemens said.
“The easiest way to be sure that there are owls in your area is to listen for their distinctive calls, particularly just after dusk or in the wee hours of the morning.
“When we started in 2018 we expected to find 25 to 30 Powerful owl pairs in south east Queensland, but we now suspect there may be more than 150.”
The full list of the successful projects is below, and can also be be viewed online.
The Community Sustainability Action Grants Program is providing $18 million over six years to community groups and individuals for innovative projects to address climate change, protect our unique wildlife and conserve Queensland’s natural and built environment.
Minister Enoch said the program supports locally based, community driven projects which encourage real change in Queensland.
