Council to help wildlife rescue

The Fraser Coast Regional Council will donate $14,000 to the Wildlife Rescue Fraser Coast to help the group rescue injured native animals.

“There is a growing community sentiment for Council to help with the rescue of injured wildlife,” Councillor Paul Truscott said.

“That help can best be provided by supporting the volunteer wildlife groups.”

At its meeting today (Wednesday, June 23), Council agreed to donate $14,000 to Wildlife Rescue Fraser Coast.

The funds would be used to cover the purchase of laptop and mobile phone equipment, yearly internet and mobile plan as well as provide fuel vouchers for wildlife carers and volunteers who transport the injured animals to help.

“This dedicated group of volunteers provides assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year- that includes rescue, care and rehabilitation of injured native and domestic animals.”

The group focuses specifically on wildlife rescue and trauma care to minimise animal suffering. The group consists of an average of 12 active first responders and a single coordinator – all unpaid volunteers.

They respond to an average of 100 requests a week to assist injured or distressed wildlife.

Council will also further investigate how it can support wildlife rescue groups.

“Council staff have in the past helped clean up discarded fishing tackle from Round Island and rescue birds from trees that were tangled in fishing line,” Cr Truscott said.

“In response to the death of a mature Osprey, nick-named Queenie, tangled in discarded fishing line at the Urangan Pier, Council installed more rubbish bins and signs to alert people to call Fraser Coast Wildlife Rescue.”

Cr Truscott said a discussion paper on the level of Council’s involvement in wildlife rescue would be released later this year for community feedback.