Australia’s largest tree-hollow program run by Gold Coast City Council has found that 90% of their man-made hollows are being used by native inhabitants.
The council began its program three years ago and it has produced more than 400 hollows for animals like rainbow lorikeets, sugar gliders and micro bats which make use of drying eucalypts which would otherwise be removed.
Tree hollows in urban areas are becoming increasingly rare, according to experts.
Gold Coast project management officer Marty Harris told ABC that the program had exceeded expectations.
“We do look at any opportunity we can to retain and manage the trees that remain,” he said.
The program is just one example of the $260 million per year Queensland councils invest into natural resource management initiatives dedicated to protecting and preserving our environment.
LGAQ Senior Advisor – Natural Assets and Natural Resource Management Kristy Gooding, said that councils were now the principal investors in natural resource management contributors in Queensland.
“Councils employ over 600 staff – from environmental education officers, turtle rangers to pest and weed managers – across the State to support their work,” she said.
“The investment they make is critical to preserving and protecting our natural environments in Queensland.”
The LGAQ is calling for the continuation of natural resource management funding including a dedicated stream to local government as part of its Advocacy Action Plan.