Bilbies get a helping hand

The future of Queensland’s bilby population is looking brighter with a $50,000 boost from the Queensland Government.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Andrew Powell, said the money would be used to fund activities to help protect the endangered mammal.

“The Newman Government is proud to support important conservation initiatives to save endangered bilbies, delivering on our election promise to revitalise frontline services,” Mr Powell said.

“It is critical work that cannot be tackled alone and we are committed to working with organisations, such as the Save the Bilby fund, to safeguard the future of the state’s threatened species.

“This funding will help support programs to secure the long term conservation of bilbies.

“It will help fund a workshop for members of the Bilby recovery team and other academic and research groups, to establish the necessary steps to ensure the long-term survival of bilbies in the wild.”

The announcement was made at Eagle Junction State School on “Bilby Day”.

Principal Josephine Bottrell said the annual event was held as a memorial to former student Luke Curnow.

“This day has been brought about by the passion of one little boy and it is proof that a single seven year old can positively affect an entire community,” Ms Bottrell said.

“The day has become a great way to raise awareness of the plight faced by bilbies in the wild and the students raise money for the Bilby Foundation as a way of honouring Luke’s legacy.”

The Save the Bilby Fund co-founder, Frank Manthey, presented ‘Luke” the bilby to the students before announcing his retirement from the foundation.

“It’s been a long and hard fight to ensure the future of the bilby but this funding from the Newman Government will be spent wisely on a range of conservation projects,” Mr Manthey said.

“It is rewarding to know that Queensland has a government which is actively working towards saving our endangered species.”

[ENDS] 19May 2015

Media contact: Lynette Keep 0419 620 299