GREEN VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE MAJOR FUNDING BOOST

The Bligh Government has renewed its commitment to environmental volunteers with funding of $300,000 a year for three years for Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC), Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace announced today.

Mr Wallace told a gathering of volunteers and community group representatives in Cairns during the Cairns Regional Parliament Sitting, that the funding demonstrated the State Government’s ongoing support for natural resource volunteer groups.

"One of the goals of Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland is to create a green Queensland and supporting organisations such as QWaLC and volunteer groups helps us protect our precious environment," Mr Wallace said.

QWaLC, which was established in 2004 with funding from the State Government, has become the peak body co-ordinating the volunteer groups.

These groups organise community projects such as weed clearing, tree planting and other on-ground work to protect the environment and raise awareness about the importance of natural resources.

"More than 300 volunteer groups across Queensland are registered with the organisation and it provides representation, advocacy, promotion, networking and insurance administration for its members," Mr Wallace said.

"We value the hard work and dedication of these groups and their volunteers and want to ensure they can continue their important role.

"They take the environmental message to the heart of our communities and educate people about their local area.

"The Bligh Government aims to preserve our land and water resources for today and the future and this renewed funding represents a significant contribution towards that goal.

"By working together, the Bligh Government and the community can create a better environment for all Queenslanders."