LNP Candidate for Bowman, Henry Pike, has welcomed the announcement of a record $50 million in federal funding to boost long-term protection and recovery initiatives for koalas.
Mr Pike said that he will fight to ensure that the investment from the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government makes its way to local efforts to support koala populations in the Redlands.
“The $50 million investment will enhance the protection of koalas by restoring habitat, improving our understanding of koala populations, supporting training in koala treatment and care, and strengthening research into health outcomes,” Mr Pike said.
“The koala is more than just an important part of our local environment, it’s our city’s symbol and also represents a huge eco-tourism economic opportunity for our region.”
“We need to be in a position to capitalise on our koalas as a unique selling point for the Redlands as the 2032 Olympics approaches and international attention turns towards our region.”
The additional funding includes $20 million for habitat and health protection projects, $10 million for community-led initiatives, $10 million to extend the National Koala Monitoring Program and $3 million to improve Koala health care, treatment and triage.
“This funding will bring together the best of the best researchers, land managers, veterinarians and citizen scientists to protect our koala populations,” Mr Pike said.
“There will be a significant spend in local habitat protection and restoration activities and health and care facilities.”
“I’ll be working to secure Redlands’ fair share of grants for applied research activities and practical projects that address local health challenges and threats.”
This new package will take the Liberal and Nationals Government’s koala investment to more than $74 million since 2019.