The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has released the State’s Volunteer Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy.
The three-year plan to support and improve wildlife rehabilitation in NSW has in part been developed to incorporate the findings of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.
Minister for the Environment, Matt Kean said wildlife rehabilitators rescue about 100,000 animals every year and even more in times of crisis.
“Our army of volunteer wildlife rehabilitators worked tirelessly in last summer’s catastrophic bushfires, rescuing countless wildlife, including our precious koalas,” Mr Kean said.
“Without their commitment, dedication and responsiveness our sick and injured native animals would not have survived.”
He said key elements of the strategy included consistent standards of operation for the volunteer sector; improved support for local groups and volunteers and better training for veterinarians to assist native wildlife.
Also introduced would be a system of accreditation to replace the current licensing of volunteer wildlife rehabilitation groups.
“Additionally, codes of practice for animal care will be enhanced along with training standards for rehabilitators and changes to the policy framework to give people more choice about which group they can join,” Mr Kean said.
“Often working in challenging and confronting circumstances, these volunteers can bear significant personal cost and stress.”
He said he wanted volunteers to feel prepared, understood and respected while also equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to perform their crucial role.
The Service’s 28-page strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
