The LNP will deliver a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital and education hub in the Moreton Bay, providing critical care for Queensland’s native animals, if elected next month.
An LNP Government would establish a world-class veterinary hospital and educational hub at Dakabin, to ensure injured wildlife from the area can be treated in the Moreton Bay, rather than being transported up to two hours to the nearest facility.
The $15 million announcement is part of the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future, and follows a commitment to fund Australia’s first Marine Wildlife Hospital at the Sea World Foundation on the Gold Coast.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital would be a gamechanger for urgent native wildlife care and scientific research.
“The LNP will deliver a wildlife hospital for Moreton Bay to provide world-class care for native animals and vital environmental and animal science education for Queensland school kids, university students and researchers,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Our commitment will open the door to locally based treatment for Queensland’s rare and endangered species including koalas, wallabies and kangaroos.
“Injured Moreton Bay wildlife is right now transported long distances to the nearest wildlife hospital, which is already stretched to capacity.
“The LNP’s commitment to fund a Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital will secure crucial veterinary care and rehabilitation before these animals are released back to their native environment.”
LNP Shadow Environment Minister Sam O’Connor said the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital would deliver world-class treatment and rehabilitation for wildlife near their own habitats.
“The LNP’s commitment will equip this wildlife hospital with cutting-edge technology, allowing veterinarians and wildlife experts to provide the highest standard of care,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This will empower the next generation of young wildlife advocates to see life-saving work firsthand.
“Moreton Bay is home to nearly 900 native animal species who need our care and protection, with 79 regarded as rare or threatened.
“Under Labor, Queensland has the lowest proportion of protected areas of anywhere in Australia but the LNP is safeguarding our native Queensland wildlife for future generations.
“Queensland needs a fresh start, and the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital is part of restoring a government that protects our environment by investing in conservation, science and technology.”
The Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation Director Christine West extended heartfelt thanks to the LNP for the pledge to build a Wildlife Hospital.
“This critical infrastructure will support our orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife, as well as the dedicated volunteers who care for them,” Ms West said.
“This financial commitment will help us fulfill our mission to improve outcomes for native wildlife in the City of Moreton Bay. We look forward to working alongside the LNP and the City of Moreton Bay to make this vital resource a reality.”