More Funding Available to Local Wildlife Carers

The Palaszczuk Government is helping wildlife hospitals and volunteer wildlife carers look after Queensland wildlife devastated by the recent drought and bushfires.

The Palaszczuk Government is committing $250,000, in addition to $6 million already earmarked, to wildlife hospitals and groups including more than 770 community-based volunteer wildlife carers and care groups.

“Our local wildlife carers and groups have always done a remarkable and selfless job in caring for our local wildlife when they have been injured, and I have always been in awe of their dedication,” said Chris Whiting MP.

“Now with 67.4% of Queensland still drought declared and 2.5 million hectares impacted by the recent bushfires, they been working harder than ever.

“So we are now giving them more help with more funding available to them, and I want our local carers in Bancroft to get the help they deserve,” said Chris Whiting.

The wildlife hospitals on the frontlines of treating injured and sick wildlife, including RSPCA Wildlife Hospital, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, will share in additional support of $120,000.

The remaining funding, $130,000, will be provided to carers. This will support the operating expenses related to the care and rehabilitation of sick or injured wildlife, including medicines, veterinary supplies and food for animals in care.

Eligible individual carers who do this selfless work on behalf of all Queenslanders can apply for a grant of up to $2,000 and eligible care groups can apply for a grant of up to $5,000.

The round will open 29 January 2020 with grants provided in an ongoing basis until all funding is allocated, so interested applicants should apply early when the round opens. Carers who are interested in applying can register their interest via csagrants@des.qld.gov.au