Currumbin Wildlife Hospital will receive up to $1 million funding from a re-elected Morrison Government under a plan to support koala populations in South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
The commitment is part of a $6 million initiative which would also provide grants to protect koala habitats in the region.
Gold Coast MP Karen Andrews has been a passionate advocate for Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and protecting the local koala population.
“The team at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital do an incredible job treating, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife and I’ve been very proudly campaigning on their behalf,” Minister Andrews said.
“The koala is a national symbol and this program would play a key role in their protection.
“A re-elected Morrison Government will continue to take practical measures like this to protect the Gold Coast environment and our native animals.”
Doctor Michael Pyne, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Senior Veterinarian said the contribution will make such a difference in the fight to save our koalas.
“Our wild koalas are in crisis. This incredibly generous contribution will allow Currumbin Wildlife Hospital to keep up with the demands of the ever growing wildlife admissions, now admitting almost 500 koalas and well over 11,000 wildlife patients every year,” Dr Pyne said.
“Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is overflowing with patients, this contribution will allow us to upgrade our facilities to better manage the ever growing patient admissions.”
The $6 million initiative includes on ground action to protect Koala habitat areas, enhance the corridors that connect local populations and funding for two other wildlife hospitals.
This funding will also help private landholders to better protect, manage and restore habitat areas, support community education and engagement, and actions to reduce vehicle strikes and dog attacks.
It will be provided through the $100 million Environment Restoration Fund announced in the 2019-20 Budget. The Environment Restoration Fund has three key priority areas: protecting threatened and migratory species and their habitats; improving Australia’s coasts, oceans and waterways; and increasing recycling of waste.
The Environment Restoration Fund is a key part of the Morrison Government’s Plan for a Cleaner Environment, and builds on our $1 billion investment through the National Landcare Program and the $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Plan.
