The Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) and Containers for Change have announced a new $120,000 community grants program to support frontline marine turtle conservation efforts across Queensland.
The Queensland Marine Turtle Network Community Grants Program will support members of the Queensland Marine Turtle Network (QMTN), a network of community organisations, Traditional Owner groups and volunteers working to protect marine turtles and their habitats.
Eligible QMTN member organisations will be able to apply for the funding to deliver practical conservation initiatives ahead of the 2026 turtle nesting season, including marine debris removal, turtle monitoring, nest protection, habitat restoration and community education programs.
The grants program forms part of a new partnership between the GBRF and Containers for Change, designed to support community-led conservation efforts while raising awareness of the role Queenslanders play in protecting our environment.
Trevor Evans, Interim CEO of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the scheme is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to support the communities working to protect marine turtles and their habitats.
“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful state that is home to some of the world’s most precious wildlife, including marine turtles, and it’s important we all do our part to protect them for future generations,” Mr Evans said.
“By recycling their 10-cent containers, Queenslanders can help reduce litter in our waterways and oceans and directly support turtle conservation efforts that protect both the turtles themselves and the habitats they depend on.”
Anna Marsden, Managing Director of Great Barrier Reef Foundation said turtles are one of the Reef’s most iconic residents, but like the Reef itself, they need a helping hand.
“The Great Barrier Reef and Queensland are home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles,” Ms Marsden said.
“As well as being remarkable creatures, they play a vital role in keeping our oceans and reefs healthy. Protecting them will take genuine collaboration between communities, researchers and conservation partners.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Containers for Change to deliver these QMTN grants. For 25 years, the Foundation has worked with communities to deliver lasting change for the Reef, and Containers for Change’s support means we can continue backing local, on-ground action to protect marine turtles and the habitats they depend on.”
Applications for the Queensland Marine Turtle Network Community Grants Program are now open to eligible QMTN members and will close on 14 September 2026. Eligible QMTN members can visit the Great Barrier Reef Foundation website for more information.
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