Petition Consistent grant programs for animal rescuers

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that Australia has one of the highest mammal extinction rates in the world, greatly affecting our native wildlife.

One of the biggest contributing factors is road trauma from car and truck accidents. Last year in Victoria alone, there were over 15,000 reported cases where wildlife was killed or maimed on our roads. Wildlife care across this state is primarily managed by volunteers who give their own time and money to rescue, rehabilitate and respond to emergencies, including road strikes.

The Government currently issues sporadic funding through grant programs with different sets of limitations for shelter operators and rescuers. These are often cap at $3,000, which is barely enough to pay for food and medicine to care for injured and orphaned animals. This additional funding could be obtained by adding a $2 levy to each vehicle registration which could then be utilised to provide a more consistent and secure grant program.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to provide more consistent and accessible funding for wildlife carers to continue their life saving work.