Environmental groups to receive increased funding through levy partnerships

Koalas, turtles, birds and other native wildlife will be some of the beneficiaries of a new round of environmental partnerships secured by Sunshine Coast Council.

A total of 21 groups across the Sunshine Coast, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Reef Check Foundation, Glasshouse Mountains Advancement Network Inc (GMAN), will receive around $600,000 this year, through Council’s Environment Levy.

The partnerships will support the work of 3776 dedicated volunteers who collectively contribute 271,050 volunteer hours to environmental programs across the Sunshine Coast each year.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay praised the ongoing efforts of the Sunshine Coast’s environment organisations and said council was proud of the outcomes achieved by the partnerships each year.

“Sunshine Coast Council has a strong history of partnering with the community through a range of operational and Environment Levy funded programs to achieve the environmental goals,” Cr McKay said.

“Four of these groups provide a high level of care and long-term rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife.

“The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, for example, admits and treats 3500 animals from the Sunshine Coast Region per year.”

Funding has also been extended to GMAN to assist in the maintenance of a koala food tree plantation developed in partnership with council’s Environmental Operations and Parks & Gardens teams at Pinelands Park, Landsborough

“Friends of” groups will continue to work with council to maintain our three Centres for Conservation, Learning & Partnerships, as well as actively educating and engaging with visitors to the centres.

“These groups go above and beyond to work hand in hand with council and deliver invaluable projects to restore and enhance our natural environment and protect our native wildlife here on the Coast.”

A full list of environment levy partnerships is available on council’s website