Back to Nature - Funding to help the environment

Precious areas and wildlife will be better protected after the awarding of vital funding to a range of Sunshine Coast community groups.

Thanks to ratepayers who contribute to Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment Levy Partnership Funding Program, 22 dedicated community groups will receive a share of $635,500 annually for the next three years. This support empowers them to continue their vital work protecting our natural treasures.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability joint portfolio Councillor, Maria Suarez, said the funding would go towards operational expenses and allow volunteers to continue providing valuable support to our wildlife and environment.

Which groups will benefit

This year, 19 continuing and three new partnerships were approved at Council’s August Ordinary Meeting. Wildlife SEQ Inc, Rotary Club of Nambour Inc and Coastal Community Native Nursery Inc are new to the Environment Levy Partnerships Funding program.

Returning partners include: Reef Check Foundation (Reef Check Australia), Night Eyes Association Inc, Wildlife Volunteers Association Incorporated (WILVOS), Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens Inc., Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group Inc., Mooloolah River Waterwatch and Landcare, Mary River Catchment Coordination Association (Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee), ECOllaboration Ltd, Currimundi Catchment Care Group Inc, Barung Landcare Association Inc, Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue Inc, Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group, Bat Rescue Inc, Wildlife Warriors, Coolum District Coast Care Group Inc., Glasshouse Mountains Advancement Network, Wildcare Australia Inc, Hinterland Bush Links, and Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland - Sunshine Coast and Hinterland Inc

Environment and Liveability joint portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said, “Thanks to the funding, these groups can continue to support, rescue and nurse our native animals back to health or restore and preserve our waterways and hinterland and coastal environments.

“Over the coming years, Council officers will work collaboratively with these successful partner organisations to ensure that this ratepayer investment delivers great environmental outcomes for the regions.

“Most importantly, these partnerships are about Council working with our community to protect and enhance our natural environment as we continue to build a pathway to a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coas