Iconic Carpentarian Grasswren to benefit from offset project

• The Miles Government and Southern Gulf Natural Resource Management are partnering on a project to improve habitat for the endangered Carpentarian Grasswren.
• Under the $977,340 project, Southern Gulf NRM will produce and deliver a management plan to improve fire management techniques and monitor populations of the Carpentarian Grasswren over the next 6 years.
• The Carpentarian Grasswren is an iconic species that attracts birdwatchers from across Australia to northwest Queensland.

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The Miles Government is collaborating with Southern Gulf Natural Resource Management to help landholders in northwest Queensland manage their properties to improve the habitat of the iconic Carpentarian Grasswren.

Visiting the region this week, Environment Minister Leanne Linard said the organisation would use $977,340 in funding to produce and deliver a management plan over the next 6 years.

The endangered Carpentarian Grasswren is a small, long-tailed bird with distinctive brown and black streaks over rusty-coloured feathers that lives in northwest Queensland where large spinifex grows among rocky outcrops.

Southern Gulf NRM has been engaged in conservation efforts for the bird since 2016.

The project will collaborate with Traditional Owners, pastoral landholders, local and state governments, research organisations and conservation groups.

It will provide a range of significant economic co-benefits, including supporting regional employment in science and conservation work and providing opportunities for First Nations people to help deliver conservation and land management work.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard:

“The Miles Government is committed to protecting our threatened species by preserving and conserving their vital habitat through our protected area expansion as well as partnerships with landholders.

“Birdwatchers from all over Australia travel to the Mount Isa region to catch a glimpse of the elusive Carpentarian Grasswren.

“This project which will help safeguard the endangered Carpentarian Grasswren and its habitat while offering significant economic co-benefits by supporting regional jobs in science and conservation.

“Through the alignment between biodiversity management needs and pastoral production, the project will help landholders improve their property management and boost production.

“The offset project will enhance the richness, diversity, and health of a wide range of other iconic species, including insects, plants, birds, mammals, and reptiles in the region.

Quotes attributable to Southern Gulf NRM Chief Executive Officer, Alison Larard:

“The awarding of the offset delivery is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Southern Gulf NRM team and our partners, who have been working on this project since 2016,” Ms Larard said.

“The funding will secure the future of this vital project, support local jobs, and strengthen First Nations involvement.

“Ultimately, we would like to restore this species to its former range, and this funding will enable us to continue conservation efforts well into the future.”

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339