As stated by Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and spokesperson for the environment:
“It’s clear that bird flu has now arrived in South Australia. We are deeply concerned that the cases detected so far could be just the tip of the iceberg.
“The positive case detected at Night’s Beach in Port Elliot is close to both the Coorong, which is already critically endangered, and Kangaroo Island, home to many native species including our precious sea lion population.
“If bird flu takes hold in this region, it could push some of our native birds and wildlife closer to extinction. South Australia’s coastal bird populations have already been devastated by the algal bloom. We cannot afford another ecological catastrophe.
“Our native wildlife simply can’t catch a break. Between the devastating algal bloom and now the threat of bird flu, our iconic species are facing crisis after crisis.
“At a time like this, it makes no sense to keep destroying the habitat they rely on for survival. If we want to give our native animals a fighting chance, we must stop clearing their natural habitat and start protecting the places they call home.
“Our wildlife is facing an unprecedented crisis. We need a $200 million emergency response fund for wildlife protection now more than ever. This is no time for politics or delay. Our sea lions and albatrosses should not be paying the price for government delay when urgent action could help protect them.
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past ecological crises. Federal and state governments must heed the lessons of the algal bloom and move quickly to protect our wildlife while we still have time to halt the spread.”
