FIVE community-led conservation projects across the Scenic Rim will share more than $80,000 in funding through Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Community Environmental Grants Program.
The program is designed to support initiatives that protect the region’s natural environment and deliver lasting benefits for local communities.
The funding was endorsed at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council as part of the 2025-26 Community Environmental Grants Program, which supports grassroots conservation projects aligned with Council’s Biodiversity Strategy.
The program helps community groups tackle local environmental challenges while strengthening long-term biodiversity outcomes across the region.
Approved projects in the latest funding round include weed management, creek restoration works and drone-based koala surveys, reflecting a strong focus on protecting native habitat and improving ecological resilience.
Council’s Parks and Biodiversity Portfolio Councillor Amanda Hay said the grants would provide vital support for community organisations working at the frontline of environmental protection.
“The Scenic Rim’s natural assets attract millions of visitors each year, creating important business opportunities, and they are also highly valued by our residents,” Cr Hay said.
“Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and these grants support community groups to play a direct and meaningful role.”
She said the Community Environmental Grants Program was designed to assist not-for-profit and non-
government organisations committed to preserving the region’s natural values for future generations.
The program is funded through the $50 per annum per rateable property environmental charge.
“Council is proud to work in partnership with the community to achieve positive environmental outcomes,” Cr Hay said.
Projects funded under the 2025-26 program include corridor regeneration and weed control on Tamborine Mountain, koala surveys in Kooralbyn, ecological restoration of council and Landcare reserves, and continued weed removal along Biddaddaba Creek between Lowes Bridge and Armstrong Road Bridge.
Cr Hay said the grants delivered benefits well beyond the immediate environmental outcomes.
“The Community Environmental Grants raise awareness of the importance of protecting the Scenic Rim’s precious natural environment – something we simply can’t afford to lose,” she said.
