Applications for the state government’s Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants are now open, with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announcing last week there’s $230,000 available to support wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria.
Through the program, wildlife shelter operators and foster carers can apply for grants of up to $3000 for equipment, infrastructure, consumables, education and training.
“The work that wildlife shelters and foster carers do is critically important to help rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife so animals can be released back to the wild – and that’s why we’re continuing to provide support to them,” Ms Thomas said.
In a statement, the government said there are more than 700 registered volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria, playing an important role in rescuing and caring for injured, sick or displaced wildlife and releasing them back into the wild.
The funding is part of the government’s Biodiversity 2037 plan, which aims to stop the decline of native plants and animals, and improve the state’s natural environment.
Last year, 120 wildlife carers and shelters scored the grants, which funded “new enclosures, nesting boxes and temperature control systems to medication, feed and rescue equipment”.
The government said it had invested more than $560 million in protecting biodiversity and the environment since 2014.
“This is about giving a helping hand to many of Victoria’s dedicated volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife – part of our record investment into protecting the state’s precious biodiversity,” Environment and Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.
Applications close on Tuesday, September 6.
Details: wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants/.
