Logan and Albert Conservation Association
New partnership for wildlife carers
This koala was rescued on 5 October 2011, and taken to Daisy Hill Koala Sanctuary. He was euthanased at Moggil Hospital due to his being blind (from having had conjunctivitus and cystitis) and not having a suitable habitat to be released. He was 6 years old. Apparently if his habitat was denser he would be fine to survive as they usually rely mainly on smell and hearing (in a koala with normal sight). They do release koala's that are blind.
Image aside is one of the photos of the koala "rescued" by a local wildlife carer.
The new partnership between DERM and RSPCA ,Qld and the carer network would strengthen the overall care of wildlife in Queensland by combining resources and providing a united approach. RSPCA Qld and DERM have driven this change to improve coordination and response times, and reduce the time that animals are in distress according to Mr Bradley from RSPCA
The change to 1300 ANIMAL means the caller will speak directly to an experienced RSPCA Qld operator who will arrange an appropriate response. The partnership covered various aspects of the management and regulation of protected wildlife rescue, care and rehabilitation.
The new arrangements will be trialed for 12 months from 1 September, and DERM has contributed $60,000 to support the improved response and the RSPCA's package of improved networking, training and communication for the wildlife carer network. DERM will still be responsible for issuing wildlife rehabilitation permits.
The care and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife is delivered through a dedicated volunteer network of licensed wildlife carers throughout Queensland. RSPC Qld currently has approximately 400 'wildlife heroes' who are available to conduct the rescue of sick, injured or orphaned animals and who support wildlife carers and that number is set to increase following a recruitment drive.
DERM ensures that wildlife care is done according to best practice and meets the expectations of the broader community through a Code of Practice for carers.
Read that code here. I have some reservations about the code. Hopefully there will be an open review after 12 month trial period.
You can see the presentation delivered to wildlife carers here. New partnership for wildlife care information is here
The greatest threat to our local koalas in the LACK OF POLITICAL WILL TO CREATE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THEIR HABITAT.
HELPING THE ANIMALS AFFECTED BY 'NATURAL' DISASTER
The flooding in Queensland has been pretty devastating - thousands of families have lost homes or possessions. If you'd like to donate money or supplies, please do so here: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html
The losses of pets, farm animals and wildlife remain untold. Continual emergency broadcasts are urging South-East Queenslanders to seek higher ground amidst further devastating rises in flood levels, but for millions of animals in affected regions there can be little or no warning. Animals Australia gives coverage here
Wildlife pets and farm animals also need our help. If you'd like to help buy supplies and food for displaced animals, please do so here: https://donate.rspcaqld.org.au/flood. to support services organised by RSPCA for domestic animals, farm animals and our native wildlife. Please read this page to see how much various items cost.
RSPCA's Townsville and Fairfield Shelters sent crates to help authorities deal with domestic pets stranded in Theodore and have now set up a temporary Shelter at the evacuation centre at Central Queensland University. They have also set up a data base of foster carers in the area who can look after pets and livestock during the crisis. There are three Inspectors plus a boat and a volunteer ambulance devoted to animal rescues. To date their efforts have been encouraging, particularly in regard to livestock and native wildlife
Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitators Council QWRC have wildlife rehabilitators who have been affected by the floods with many who are currently isolated and unsure of when they can get supplies in. In addition, power outages may cause loss of food stocks for wildlife in care - with more animals coming into care. Should any rehabilitator be in need of assistance please contact your local QWRC representative or the QWRC Chair Annie Saunders (Ph 07 4975 6281) who will do all in their power to get you the assistance required.QWRC is continuing to monitor the flood situation across QLD as it relates to wildlife and wildlife rehabilitators.
A trust fund is set up to receive donations. Donations can be made to the wildlife disaster relief fund by direct deposit to the QWRC Trust Fund account BSB 814-282 and account number 30932248 using your surname as a reference. QWRC will ensure all funds are distributed where they are most needed.
Wildcare Australia Inc is a non-profit organization located in South East Queensland dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife and then release once fully rehabilitated. Be prepared and if you find wildlife in distress please find comprehensive information on this website on how you can assist the animal in need. The home page of Wildlife Australia also explains several ways for you to help financially during this flood crisis situation. Many wildlife volunteers are directly impacted by the floods as well as the wildlife already in care. Emergency Hotline - 24 hours / 7 days 07 5527 2444.
Donate to Koalas, Pademelons, Gliders, Birds......Who really cares? Go to this page to make donations to Wildcare Australia.
Premier The Honourable Anna Bligh, and Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation The Honourable Andrew McNamara released a joint statement Wednesday 5 August 2008. It reads
are among options to be considered as the Bligh Government confronts a crisis facing koalas in southeast Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh said new research showed the population of koalas in the wild was directly linked to the animals' movement through urban areas and urgent action was needed to slow the dramatic mortality rate.
This information has come to light since the introduction in 2006 of the Government's Koala Plan and means more radical moves are needed to stop the extinction of koalas in SEQ.