June 1, 2012
South Burnett Regional Council will receive $1.6 million over the next six years to implement biodiversity and climate change programs across the region.
The Federal Government has approved $271 million worth of grants in the first round of the Biodiversity Fund to revegetate, rehabilitate and restore land.
The South Burnett project will improve vegetation connectivity through 200ha of planting programs within urban and village landscapes.
A Council statement said the planting activities would improve biodiversity values across the region while also contributing to regional carbon management outcomes.
The programs programs would also provide horticultural training opportunities for indigenous students.
Natural Resources, Parks and Environment portfolio holder Cr Kathy Duff said the funding would also be used to develop and implement fire and biodiversity plans that enable land managers to reduce fuel loads and minimise the risk of wildfire.
She said it would also address the threat of invasive weeds within the region through the development of co-ordinated treatment programs that utilise a range of management techniques such as biological control, fire, herbicide and sustainable land management practices.
A Biodiversity Project Co-ordinator would be hired to develop partnerships with local industry, landholders, schools and community groups to develop and implement coordinated programs across the region.
