August 18, 2022
A “carbon farming” project has been awarded a $2.61 million State Government grant to establish koala habitat at Redgate.
The South Burnett Koala Land Restoration Carbon Project plans to run 15 years.
According to the grant application it will involve the “planting, establishing and enriching” of koala habitat.
It also aims to reduce the amount of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and fine sediment loads entering nearby Barambah Creek.
The Redgate project was one of five announced by the State Government earlier this month.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the projects would regenerate and expand threatened ecosystems and create jobs and training in regional areas.
The other projects funded are at Nebine (Paroo Shire), Tarzali (Atherton Tablelands), Morinish (Rockhampton region) and Gungaloon (near Maryborough).
Minister Scanlon said the $11.5 million investment in the five projects would provide long-term protection for more than 6000ha.
“The projects funded so far will create jobs for 51 people, including roles for rangers, building contractors, botanists, farmhands, nursery assistants and field workers,” she said.
“Of these, 10 jobs will be for First Nations peoples.
“The projects will see the Land Restoration Fund purchase 120,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units over the next 15 years, equivalent to 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide sequestered or avoided.”
