Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley has met with Queensland RSPCA officials in Brisbane to discuss the challenges being placed on animal hospital facilities in the wake of Australia’s devastating bushfires.
Minister Ley joined Senator for Queensland Paul Scarr at the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital in Wacol where more than eighty animals are being brought in each day, with many facing a loss of habitat areas.
RSPCA Queensland runs the largest wildlife hospital in the southern hemisphere and the Morrison Government was able to contribute $1 million to koala rescue and rehabilitation in December last year as part of a $3million funding package for Queensland koala hospitals.
“The workload here over the last few months has been extraordinary, and it is a tribute to the dedication of the staff at this facility,” Minister Ley said.
“Habitat loss means animals are needing to be kept for longer and that underlines the importance of the Morrison Government’s initial $50 million wildlife and habitat recovery package, which seeks to identify habitat impacts and recovery strategies.”
Over November and December 2019, the hospital took in nearly 300 koalas, three times as many as the previous year, the 80 animals a day being received now include birds, koala, kangaroos, possums, snakes, gliders, lizards and many more.
“Now is already a peak time for the hospital and the combination of drought and fires has had an extraordinary impact,” RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital Chief Executive, Mr Darren Maier said today.
Senator for Queensland, Paul Scarr said the work of the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital would play a critical role in the future of native wildlife.
“I’m delighted the RSPCA’s important work is recognised and supported,” Senator Scarr said.
“Many native animals that survived the bushfires still need care and a home. The Morrison Government’s provision of one million dollars to the RSPCA’s animal hospital here in Oxley will go a long way.”
