It’s official! Victorian-based First Option Bank has announced financial support for our plans to save some of Australia’s most endangered wildlife species.
In an exciting new step forward, First Option has formed a partnership with Carbon Landscapes to create an 800-hectare safe haven on private mallee woodland we’ve recently purchased at Telopea Downs in Victoria’s west.
The bank has “adopted” the once-prolific Mallee Emu-Wren – the first species we are planning to help protect through building its numbers.
We’re thrilled to have them on board for the initiative, which has already garnered significant media attention.
Related: Mission to save wildlife with new 800ha safe haven at Telopea Downs
According to Carbon Landscapes co-director Dr Steven Enticott: “Our partnership with First Option Bank at Telopea Downs represents a really exciting step forward for privately funded conservation in Australia.
“Their support demonstrates the ability of private enterprise to lead the way in restoring the biodiversity of Australia’s wild spaces as well as protecting our native animals for the benefit of future generations.
“As proud custodians of this newly acquired site, we are now working with some of the country’s leading scientific minds to create the best habitat possible for species such as the Mallee Emu-Wren.
“With more than 70 per cent of Australia’s native animals found only in this country, projects such as this take on extremely high importance.
“Over the coming months we’ll be removing introduced predator species and re-establishing native fauna populations, with the aim of future proofing them against threats including climate change.”
To find out more about what we’re doing, or to help us tackle climate change and restore biodiversity, become a Carbon Landscapes member. You can contact us on 1300 242 829