Pine Rivers Wildlife carer to receive funds to care for native animals.
A wildlife carer from Kobble Creek will receive $2000 from the Community Sustainability Action
Grants program to help continue providing lifesaving care to sick or injured wildlife as part of the
Palaszczuk Government’s recovery plan: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said 43 wildlife carers or groups across the state would share in
almost $130,000 under a new round of the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability
Action Grants program.
“In Pine Rivers, wildlife carer Melanie Pope, who has been a specialist raptor carer for over five
years was the successful recipient of the grant.” Ms Boyd said.
“Through this financial support, our local wildlife will continue to benefit from the diligent work
provided by carers within our community.”
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said many factors had impacted Queensland wildlife
hospitals and carers, including the bushfires, ongoing drought and COVID-19.
“Many of our carers’ networks are at maximum capacity with some unable to take on additional sick,
injured, or orphaned wildlife.” Ms Enoch said.
“Over 80 applications were received, with 24 individual carers and 19 wildlife care groups
successful in gaining funding
“These grants will enable carers to continue their tireless work rehabilitating our vulnerable native
species.”
Wildlife carer Melanie Pope intends to use the money for providing much needed care for birds
rescued across the Pine Rivers area.
“It has been an unusually busy season due to the drought and bush fires and I am very grateful for
this assistance which will allow me to continue to care for and release birds of prey and emus.” Ms
Pope said.
“Birds that have come into care, include sea and wedge tail eagles, osprey, brahminy and whistling
kites to almost every species of owl, including our vulnerable powerful owls.
“These birds require a very specific diet and this funding will ensure their dietary requirements are
catered for and that they are given every success for rehabilitation prior to release.”
Funding for the Wildlife Carers Assistance Grants Program is in addition to $120,000 announced
earlier this year for the South East Queensland’s Wildlife Hospital Network helping cover the costs
of caring for animals brought in for treatment across these facilities, particularly following the
bushfires of late 2019.
This funding is on top of the $18 million being provided under the Community Sustainability Action
Grant program to individuals and community groups for innovative projects to address climate
change, protect our unique wildlife and conserve Queensland’s natural and built environment.
More information on the Community Sustainability Action Grants Program is available at
www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/funding/community-sustainability.
ENDS