Gympie region to benefit from 20 Million Trees funding
19th December, 2014
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss today announced that two projects in the Gympie region are set to receive a total of $184,580 as part of the Australian Government’s 20 Million Trees Programme.“These grants are part of $50 million being provided by the Federal Government over four years, to help actively involve local communities, individuals and organisations such as Landcare, in the re-establishment of native vegetation and fauna, while also contributing to carbon sequestration,” Mr Truss said.
“The Private Forestry Service Queensland, which also operates the Gympie Woodworks Museum, will receive $91,448 to plant 7,550 trees on degraded land at a local macadamia farm near Anderleigh. The project will establish 17.5 hectares of native eucalypt forest to help improve soil health and stability, protect stream banks, improve water quality and increase the extent of koala habitat on this site.
“The Lacebark Nature Refuge, situated 15km south of Gympie, will receive $93,132, to help revegetate steep gullies and slopes within the Refuge, in order to mitigate water erosion. The landowner, Mr Shane Litherland, has previously worked with the Gympie and Noosa Landcare Groups and will invite individuals and group from the local community to help plant 21,725 locally sourced trees over three years, so that the area may be preserved as a subtropical lowland rainforest.”
Project details:
Name of project: Lacebark Nature Refuge- strategic revegetation to enhance landscape connectivity.
Name of Applicant: L.E Litherland & S.J Litherland
Funding: $93,132
Name of project: Anderleigh - Re-foresting degraded grazing land on a macadamia farm.
Name of applicant: Private Forestry Service Queensland Inc
Funding: $91,448
Total funding for Gympie area: $184, 580
“The Gympie region is known for its picturesque rivers, abundant vegetation and scenic landscape. It is pleasing that these natural resources have been recognised in the 20 Million Trees Programme, with the Gympie area receiving two of the 9 grants awarded within Queensland.
“We all have a part to play in caring for the land. These grants are focused on engaging the community to deliver local projects with lasting environmental benefits, so that our region can be preserved and enhanced for future generations,” Mr Truss said.
The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. For further information on the 20 million Trees initiative, go to www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.
