Region welcomes back Grassroot project offering growing benefits

The opportunity to connect with other landowners in the region has come at no better time with Covid-19, bushfires and drought.

BIG PROJECT: Looking at evidence that the Glossy Black Cockatoos have been feeding on casuarina trees is Friends of Land For Wildlife Toowoomba president Peter Sparshoot and his son James Sparshoot.

A grassroots program designed to support private landowners, preserve the habitat and create community connections has relaunched in Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Region secretary treasurer Margie Young said the Friends of Land For Wildlife program has existed since the 80s and first launched in Victoria before quickly spreading across the country.

“The program encourages and supports private landowners to include conservation for flora and fauna on their land,” Ms Young said.

“It’s not saying don’t have other land uses – it’s saying try and have other land uses that are synthetic and trying to preserve the habitat.”

WILDLIFE PROGRAM: At a Land For Wildlife property open day are Peter Hayes and his daughter Zoe Hayes.

The program which operates throughout southeast Queensland and Australia was once an active part of the Toowoomba region before Federal funding for the program was cut.

Now years since the local program ceased Toowoomba Regional Council is relaunching it in the Toowoomba region again as part of the Natural Resources Management levy.

“We’ve lobbied with council to bring the program back to Toowoomba and at our event on Saturday we will be officially announcing that the region is signing back on from this coming financial year and we’re just so happy about it,” Ms Young said.

“Landowners just love it because it’s a highly voluntary, grassroots program that is all about providing information, resources and encouragement to others.

“It’s not just about the conservation benefits but members feel connected to council and their community through this program and by working on their land it improves their mental and physical health.”

GOOD GIRL: Looking for pats at a Land For Wildlife property open day is Jessie the Cavoodle.

And the opportunity to connect with other like-minded landowners has come at no better time with Covid-19, bushfires and drought.

“It is an environmental program but above all it’s a real community engagement program,” Ms Young said.

“There’s never been a more perfect time to relaunch the program … landowners are trying to do the right thing on their land but are just being hammered by the environment at the moment so it’s great timing to be able to meet others going through the same thing and share resources.”

Environment and Community Portfolio Councillor Tim McMahon said while no dollar amount has been confirmed yet, the Land For Wildlife program is one of many community projects included in the 21/22 financial year’s budget.

“Many programs and various bushland groups will be included in the NRM levy,” Cr McMahon said.

“I met with Margie and the team very early in the process and learned about the program’s history in the Toowoomba region and it had been very well received before it was taken away.

“I like the program because it’s not discouraging development or choosing environment at the expense of everything else but it’s about working with landowners to really get the best out of their land.”

WORKING HARD: Using a squeeze bottle to poison the prickly pear weed is Peter Hayes.

Cr McMahon said many towns across southeast Queensland have reinstated the program.

He said while specific projects are not yet outlined the program may look at eradicating problem weeds and creating more space for wildlife to live and move around.

“I’ve been really having a look at the NRM levy during the first year in my councillor position and seeing where those environmental programs are and it’s good to get this one in the mix,” he said.

“I think generally the NRM levy is good value for ratepayers and I think the community has realised the benefits.”

Members will celebrate the relaunching of the local program on Saturday as well as finalise a previous project which focused on planting casuarina trees for Glossy Black Cockatoos.

Classified as a threatened species, the cockatoos were hit particularly hard when the drought and bushfires destroyed their source of food.

The project was made possible due to a bushfire recovery grant received through WIRES and Landcare.

Saturday’s event which is now sold out will be held in Gowrie Junction.

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