Grants help protect Whitsunday marine life

Marine studies students will be able to help clean up our oceans and protect marine life thanks to the Newman Government’s Everyone’s Environment grants. 

Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan said Eco Barge Clean Seas Incorporated would receive $52, 115 to help to maintain the beauty of the region by initiating a program focused on underwater marine debris.

“Two local environmentally-focused organisations, Eco Barge Clean Seas and Order of the Underwater Coral Heroes (O.U.C.H) will join forces to tackle the issue of marine debris in the Whitsunday region,” Mr Costigan said.

“The project will include 24 trips (2 per month for 12 months) that will involve students of marine studies at Proserpine High School to allow these students to see first-hand the impact of marine debris in our region.”

Mr Costigan said the Serin Landcare Catchment Management Association had also received   $99,882 in funding to revegetate, maintain and improve the health of Louisa creek Reserve and Armstrong Beach, Far Beach Cannonvale Beach and Conway Beach. 

“This project will provide opportunities for community, volunteers and youth to participate in practical, onground activities that will improve the health of their local coastal environment,” he said.   

“In making this funding available the Newman Government has invested over $150,000 in the Whitsunday region, this is a huge win not just for the environment but for our tourism and for our marine life.”

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Andrew Powell said Everyone’s Environment grants will provide $12million in funding to practical environmental projects over the next three years.

“We received more than 200 submissions for Round One grants, totalling almost $9 million in funding requests. Nearly $1.3 million will be allocated under the first phase of the grants program with further announcements of successful first-round recipients to take place in January 2013.”

Applications for round two of the grants will be called in the middle of next year.

[ENDS] December 14

Contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043

             Whitsunday Electorate Office: 49453343