Monday, 14 December 2020

The Andrews Labor Government has announced almost $200,000 in Wildlife Rehabilitator Grant funding for 75 of the state’s authorised wildlife shelters and foster carers.

The grants provide wildlife rehabilitators with financial assistance to support and enhance their vital caring efforts for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Local carers and shelters use the funding for a range of upgrades and supports. In 2020-21, individual grants of up to $3,000 have been awarded, an increase of $500 on last year.

In Mount Evelyn, a local shelter will use the funds to build capacity in the care of the threatened grey headed flying foxes whilst maximising the ability of enclosures to be multipurpose and flexible

Since 2014 the program has provided almost $1.5 million in individual grants through an annual competitive grant process, and organisation grants to key wildlife institutions. This also includes more than $40,000 awarded to 42 authorised shelters and carers through the Wildlife Rehabilitator Bushfire Grants program following the 2019-2020 Victorian bushfires.

The government is also continuing its support for the important services provided by the Victorian Wildlife Hotline operated by Wildlife Victoria, with $494,000 allocated in the 2020/21 State Budget. Anyone who finds sick, injured or orphaned wildlife can use the Victorian Government’s Help for Injured Wildlife online tool to find a registered shelter or carer anywhere in Victoria.

To report a sick or injured animal, contact Wildlife Victoria’s hotline on 8400 7300 or visit www.wildlifevictoria.org.au for information and advice. Or got to https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/injured-native-wildlife/help-for-injured-wildlife

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“This funding will allow the shelters and wildlife carers to maintain the wonderful work they do, in assisting our wildlife.

“Our local wildlife carers and shelters are to be congratulated for the passion and dedication they show in the work they undertake rehabilitating our wildlife”