Threatened native Australian species get $24 million lifeline

From the Red Handfish and Southern Corroboree Frog to the Malleefowl and Quokka, 73 threatened native species will benefit from a $24 million funding boost from the Albanese Labor Government.

Across Australia, 61 projects have been awarded Saving Native Species grants of up to $500,000 to better protect frogs, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and plants.

The funding supports a range of species-saving efforts such as captive-breeding for return to the wild, cracking down on invasive animals, and restoring and enhancing habitats.

These projects will help to reduce the risk of extinction, especially for many of the 110 priority plants and animals in the 10-year Threatened Species Action Plan.

Announced today, on the International Day for Biological Diversity, these investments include:

• $480,000 to help Taronga Conservation Society Australia increase production of Corroboree Frog eggs and juveniles at captive breeding facilities
• $495,000 for the NSW Government to expand the release program for captive-bred Bellinger River Snapping Turtles and develop a holding facility in the catchment
• more than $478,000 to help the South West NRM better protect Quokkas in Wellington National Park from foxes and feral cats
• more than $409,000 for Flinders University to trial shelters at Australian Sea Lion breeding sites.

Recovery actions in each project are guided by statutory conservation planning documents and the latest information about the species and threats they are facing.

This $24 million funding is just one part of our $550 million investment to protect native species and tackle invasive pests. About $2 million has gone towards supporting native frog species prioritised for recovery including the Southern Corroboree Frog, Kroombit Tinkerfrog, White-bellied Frog, Mountain Frog, Mountain-top Nursery-frog and Growling Grass Frog.

For more information on the 61 projects, visit: Saving Native Species - DCCEEW

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek:

“Our government is committed to achieving our target of zero new extinctions in Australia and our $24 million investment in grassroots projects will help to better protect our threatened species.

“This funding is about supporting the dedicated scientists, conservationists, and passionate local community groups right across Australia who are working hard to save our precious native plants and animals.

“Many of our beloved threatened species have battled the impacts of disease, feral pests and the devastating impacts of the Black Summer bushfires.

“That’s why we’re taking strong action to better protect and recover our native wildlife, where it makes the most difference.”