Tweed Coast Koalas are set to be the big winners, thanks to a $2 million Federal Government grant announced last week.
The $2,017,000 grant will fund a five-year project in Tweed and Byron Shires to regenerate existing koala habitat and create linkages between isolated inland and coastal populations.
There will be 30,000 koala food trees planted, along with 25,000 riparian and rainforest trees and 8000 mixed shrubs and understorey plants, to create 100 hectares of new wildlife corridors, along with the regeneration of 225ha of existing koala habitat.
Funds have also been allocated towards invasive species management, improved bushfire management and community engagement.
Tweed Mayor Councillor Barry Longland expressed his gratitude to local member Justine Elliot for her role in securing the funding.
“This is a wonderful project that will have a substantial impact and Justine’s support has been crucial,” Cr Longland said.
“I’m proud to be delivering this funding. This is a great opportunity for our Koala population,” said Justine.
“This project will link core koala habitats, enhance endangered ecological communities, and improve connectivity for native flora and fauna between inland and coastal communities.
“The Biodiversity Fund is a key component of the Labor Government’s strategy to enhance biodiverse carbon stores and secure a clean energy future for Australia.
Tweed Shire Council’s Biodiversity Program Leader Dr Mark Kingston said the funding has been given special significance with the recent federal listing of koalas as a vulnerable species in Queensland, NSW and the ACT. He said it would help plan koala corridors and work towards linking colonies on both sides of the Pacific Motorway and along the Tweed Coast.
“It is particularly welcome as both Tweed and Byron Councils are currently preparing Comprehensive Koala Plans of Management for the coastal strip,” Dr Kingston said.
“The funds will provide a substantial boost for the implementation of many of the measures necessary to help secure the future of the koala on the Tweed and Byron coasts.”
Mr Kingston said it would also help provide feed trees for the animals and interested farmers and residents along the Coast who would like to help out should contact the council.
Two project officers will be employed for the duration of the project, while two youths from within the local Indigenous community will be trained in Certificate III Natural Area Restoration and Management.
Councillor Dot Holdom, who chairs the Tweed Coast Koala Advisory Group, said the contribution of private landholders will be key to the project’s success.
“Lots of time and effort went into the preparation of this application and the Council staff who did the work deserve to be recognised,” said Cr Holdom.
“This is a great project that will see many people come together with open hearts and minds to achieve something wonderful for our local koala population.”
