SUPPORTING EASTERN METROPOLITAN REGION WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS

Wednesday, 15 February 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering $179,388 in funding, including $14,242 in Eastern Metropolitan Region to help Victoria’s Wildlife Rehabilitators continue to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has allocated $137,278 from the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program to 81 shelter operators and $42,110 for 25 foster carers.

Shaun Leane MP, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region said $14,242 of the funding will go to 6 shelter operators and 2 foster carers in Knox.

The Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants program has supported licensed Victorian wildlife rehabilitators since 2008 and allows shelter operators and foster carers to purchase important equipment and infrastructure for the recovery of native wildlife.

The grants also help support training and education programs to increase the standards of wildlife care.

There are over 600 registered volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria who rehabilitate thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife for release back into their habitat, many of which are threatened species.

The Program will continue to help wildlife institutions maintain a high level of technical expertise in emergency incident response which leads to the best possible conservation outcomes.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

 “The Andrews Labor Government is committed to supporting Victoria’s important wildlife rehabilitators. The Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants have provided financial support to many of Victoria’s dedicated volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife when they need it most.

“We encourage all of Victoria’s registered wildlife rehabilitators to apply for future grants.”

Quotes attributable to Shaun Leane MP, Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region

“Dedicated shelter operators in Eastern Metropolitan Region play a vital role in ensuring the return of many native animals back to their natural habitats.”

“Our volunteer wildlife shelter operators and foster carers put in a lot of their own time and money into looking after our wildlife when they need it the most.  So it is important that they are recognised and supported in their work.”