Cash no longer grows on trees

A RAINFOREST conservation group in strife over allegedly misappropriating grant money has been dealt another blow by the Queensland Government.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has confirmed that it has withdrawn a $24,500 grant to the Australian Rainforest Foundation.

The foundation, now known as Rainforest Trust Australia, is under investigation by the Federal Government. The inquiry relates to the awarding of a $775,000 Commonwealth grant for weed control on a property near El Arish.

It has been alleged that the weed control had not been carried out as per grant guidelines.

Residents have complained the property has deteriorated since the project started, claiming there has been minimal weed clearing and revegetation work.

The organisation claims an ex-employee has been charged over the matter.

The group was awarded a $24,500 grant through the State Government’s Community Sustainability Action program earlier this year,.

The grant was to establish 5000 trees at Lake Barrine on the Tablelands, revegetating 1.3ha of land historically cleared for grazing purposes.

However, an EHP spokesman confirmed yesterday that the department had withdrawn its offer to the foundation on the basis that the organisation failed to disclose information to the department regarding an outstanding acquittal.

“This outstanding acquittal is subject to Commonwealth investigation,” he said.

Rainforest Trust Australia chairman David Butler said the trust accepted the Queensland Government’s decision as reasonable and appropriate.

“Over the past 18 months the organisation has restructured, has implemented tighter and more accountable governance regimes,” he said.