A new round of cash grants designed to help the state’s dedicated wildlife rehabilitators cover the cost of their important work has been announced as part of the government’s $1.2 million Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said today.

“Wildlife rehabilitators, shelter operators and foster carers across East Gippsland can now apply for grants up to $5,000 to assist them with the costs associated with their work, such as veterinary bills, medicine, feed or maintaining enclosures.

“East Gippsland is one of the more densely forested regions in Victoria and our National Parks are home to an abundance of native animals.  Unfortunately as a direct consequence of human activity, thousands of wild animals are killed, injured or orphaned each year.  

“Our wildlife carers are committed to looking after these sick or injured animals, with much of the work of rescuing and caring for these animals falling on their shoulders.

“This funding will help support the work these dedicated volunteers and organisations undertake,” Mr Bull said.

The grants are part of a four-year funding package which will be made available to the 380 registered wildlife shelter operators and 399 registered foster carers in Victoria and this round is for $200,000, plus $70,000 for specific organisations.

For further information contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Bairnsdale on 5152 0600.

Applications close on Monday 5 March, 2012.