Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Victorian Coalition Government has launched a new round of cash grants designed to help the state’s dedicated wildlife rehabilitators cover the cost of their important work.
Mr Smith said wildlife rehabilitators across Victoria can now apply for grants of up to $5,000 as part of this round of the $1.2 million Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program. This round is for $200,000, plus $70,000 for specific organisations.
“Our wildlife rehabilitators, shelter operators and foster carers are dedicated to looking after sick or injured animals and many of them are volunteers,” Mr Smith said.
“This funding will help wildlife rehabilitators cover the cost of veterinary bills, feed, medicine, maintaining enclosures and even training courses.
“The grants are part of a four-year funding package through which the Coalition Government can demonstrate its support for these dedicated people and organisations by helping them cover those costs.
“Without these wildlife shelter operators and wildlife foster carers some of our beloved native wildlife would be left without much needed support when they need it the most,” Mr Smith said.
The grants also include $70,000 in grants to support vital wildlife emergency response institutions; $27,500 to Phillip Island Nature Park, $40,000 to Zoos Victoria and $2,500 to the Dolphin Research Institute.
This funding will be made available to the 380 registered wildlife shelter operators and 399 registered foster carers in Victoria.
Applications for the grants should be sent to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
Applications open on Monday 6 February 2012 and close on Monday 5 March 2012.
source: Media release The Hon Ryan Smith MP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Minister for Youth Affairs media release
Links
- DSE website: www.dse.vic.gov.au
