Macedon Ranges petitioners are leading the call for a road levy charge on registered vehicles in Victoria to help fund emergency wildlife care.
The proposed levy is $2 per registered vehicle and would contribute to a consistent grant program for wildlife carers.
Woodend resident Rhonda Gibbard is part of the group that launched the petition in late January, inspired by the work of local wildlife carers. On Sunday evening it had 2480 signatures.
“This group formed because we are concerned about what’s going on,” Ms Gibbard said.
“Wildlife care is primarily managed by volunteers who give their own time and money to rescue, rehabilitate and respond to emergencies, including road strikes.
“The government currently issues sporadic funding through grant programs with different sets of limitations for shelter operators and rescuers. These are often capped at $3000, which is barely enough to pay for food and medicine to care for injured and orphaned animals.”
Jenni Dudderidge has worked at Greencross Vets at Woodend more than 24 years and said injured wildlife were brought in at least two to three times a week, sometimes more.
“It is heartbreaking that our amazing vets and nurses cannot always save them,” she said.
“The many that we do save, go to wonderful rescuers and carers who all specialise in many species. They volunteer and need our help financially.”
Wildlife road strike was raised in a series of round table events last year with Woodend-based Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, the Minister for Environment and volunteer wildlife rescue groups.
Ms Purcell said the petition’s sentiment already had strong support.
“This idea to create a pool of funds to assist those on the ground was delivered as a possible solution – one that has strong support across the sector,” Ms Purcell said.
“This wouldn’t solve everything and, ideally, we would like to see the sector professionalised with permanent paid positions.
“In the interim, a levy attached to car registration will alleviate the burden of things like equipment and mileage – and provide a practical way for members of the public to support wildlife rescue and support teams.”
“Nobody is paying them to perform this lifesaving work that we as a community expect, and it is certainly taking a toll. We are seeing people leave the sector at alarming rates because it simply is not possible to continue this work as though it is a second full-time but unpaid job.”
Ms Purcell will present the petition in Parliament.
Sign the petition at https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/vehicle-registration-levy-to-fund-emergency-wildlife-care/
