The Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell has congratulated the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers in a major effort to protect the endangered Richmond Birdwing butterfly habitat on the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Mr Powell said the Newman Government had provided the Conservation Volunteers with $200,000 over the last two years under the Everyone’s Environment grants program to carry out a range of programs across the state, including protecting and linking habitat corridors for the Richmond Birdwing.
“In keeping with our election commitment, the Newman Government has delivered $6.4million to 157 projects across the state,” Mr Powell said.
So far, the program has resulted in more than:
- 62,000 tree plantings;
- 53,600 hectares being weeded, revegetated or rehabilitated;
- 35,700 kilograms of rubbish removed (equivalent to almost 370 wheelie bins); and
- 7150 volunteers engaged.
“We promised to support grassroots projects that deliver real environmental outcomes. We are delivering on that promise and now we are seeing real benefits on the ground.
“One of the biggest challenges the butterflies are facing in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is the spread of an introduced plant which looks like the Richmond birdwing vine,” Mr Powell said.
“These plants confuse the egg-laying females and poison the caterpillars when they emerge.
“Dozens of volunteers have been removing noxious weeds and planting 5000 native Richmond birdwing vines in two hectares of prime butterfly habitat near Maleny.
“By planting the Richmond birdwing vine, they will be giving the species a greater chance of surviving and thriving.
Everyone’s Environment grants provide support to grassroots environmental projects, with $12 million available over three rounds.
Round three of the Everyone’s Environment grants program will open in mid 2014.
For more information visit www.ehp.qld.gov.au/funding/everyones-environment
