Queensland Government Media Statement
One of Queensland’s best loved native animals has received a boost on the eve of Threatened Species Day with a new line of fund-raising chocolates.
Pink Lady Bhocolates – chocolate Bilby.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said an agreement between Save the Bilby Fund and Fyna Foods, makers of Pink Lady chocolates, meant year-round help for the iconic native animal.
“For years here in Queensland we’ve been giving each other chocolate bilbies rather than bunnies at Easter and raising money for them at the same time,” Mr Powell said.
“Now we can help these delightful but threatened native animals all year round – and in the most delicious way.”
Mr Powell joined Frank Manthey AO from Save the Bilby Fund and Tom Campbell, Executive Director of Fyna Foods Australia Pty Ltd, for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the Queen Street Mall.
Under the agreement Mr Campbell will launch a line of four Pink Lady chocolate bilbies which will be on sale all year, with a percentage of the proceeds to be donated to Save the Bilby Fund.
Mr Powell said the agreement between Save the Bilby Fund and Fyna Foods highlighted the important role played by a growing number of corporations in conservation.
“Pink Lady chocolates have been good supporters of bilby conservation over the years and this is a great expansion of their involvement,” he said.
“We have approximately 176 threatened species across Queensland and it is vital that we have strong collaboration between all levels of government together with industry and wildlife carers to help protect our most vulnerable species.”
“Whether we are investing $26.5 million to protect our koalas here in South East Queensland, delivering Cassowary conservation projects in North Queensland or working with councils to help recover the bridled-nailtail wallaby in Central Queensland, the Newman Government is committed to protecting our native flora and fauna.
“These efforts have been bolstered by ongoing and generous support from businesses such as Glencore Xstrata that has provided some $3.2 million to date, for the recovery of the northern hairy-nosed wombat, one of the world’s rarest species.
“Interventions such as these are one way we can help bring species like the bilby and the northern hairy-nosed wombat back from the brink of extinction.”
“Thanks to Glencore Xstrata’s support a second colony was successfully established near St George and we’re now actively investigating suitable sites for a third colony.
“Turning around the fortunes of these threatened native animals takes time and a lot of hard work and the support of these good corporate citizens cannot be overstated.”
Mr Powell encouraged everyone to visit EHP’s website www.ehp.qld.gov.au to view a new interactive map providing more information on Threatened Species Day.
Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043
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