JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

LANCE McCALLUM MP, STATE MEMBER FOR BUNDAMBA

A local project supporting threatened species recovery will get support, through a flood recovery program jointly funded by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments.

Ipswich City Council will receive $35,250 in funding under the program for the Bremer River Lungfish Habitat Flood Recovery Project.

This will involve rehabilitating sections of the Bremer Riverbank to repair significant erosion and riparian zones that were stripped of groundcovers and young establishing trees during flood events. This will aim to improve Lungfish habitat in the Bremer River.

The project is one of 10 being funded under the $38.9 million Environmental Recovery Program, which is a cost-shared program under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) focused on the recovery of waterways and biodiversity in communities.

Severe flooding events that affected South East Queensland communities between January and March 2022 caused significant damage to waterways. These are home to some of the state’s most vulnerable animal species including the lungfish, white-throated snapping turtle, Mary River turtle and the Mary River cod.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said recovery from such significant floods was a long-term commitment.

“We’re proud to partner with the Queensland Government to support local organisations to lead these crucial conservation and recovery projects where they are needed most,” Mr Neumann said.

“This project will help recreate a healthy, resilient riparian ecosystem that directly benefits the lungfish and reduces sediment from entering the river system.”

State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the project would also help support improved education and community awareness around the benefits of healthy riparian zones.

“Not only will these projects enhance recovery of natural areas and waterways to support threatened aquatic species, they will also help build the resilience of these areas to withstand future natural disasters,” Mr McCallum said.

“I welcome the ongoing support of the Federal Government as our local community’s flood recovery continues.”

For information visit Environmental Recovery Grants or the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au