2025-04-17
South Australians have rallied together to save the Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre from imminent closure, raising an incredible $80,000 through a combination of crowdfunding and direct donations, but we know that more needs to be done.
Greens Senator for South Australia, Sarah Hanson-Young, has praised the community’s generosity and announced a $20 million annual federal investment in a National Wildlife Rescue Strategy to secure the future of wildlife rescue services across the country.
The Greens plan for regular and guaranteed federal funding will provide critical financing to businesses, organisations and volunteers across the country who provide rescue, care and veterinary services for injured and endangered wildlife. A national framework to fund critical wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services would support:
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Emergency wildlife responders
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Rescue operations
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Rehabilitation programs
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Veterinary treatment of native animals (in wildlife hospitals and volunteer care)
Comments attributable to Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for SA and spokesperson for the Environment
“The response from South Australians has been nothing short of inspiring. The $80,000 raised for the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Centre since January is a testament to the love and care our community has for our wildlife and the volunteers who dedicate their lives to saving them.
“This funding lifeline will help keep the doors open at the centre for now, but it’s clear that relying on donations alone is not a sustainable solution.
“The Greens plan to allocate $20 million to wildlife rescue will provide wildlife centres across Australia with the financial boost to keep their doors open and continue providing critical support for our endangered wildlife.
“Our environment is in crisis and our wildlife are paying the price. We are seeing decreasing numbers in our native wildlife and a number of species, including the iconic koala, are facing extinction.
“Wildlife rescue services across the country are struggling to keep their doors open. These vital services have been underfunded for far too long and such unsung heroes work tirelessly to protect our native animals, often at great personal expense.
“It’s time for the Federal Government to step up and provide guaranteed funding so they can focus on saving lives without worrying about keeping their doors open.
“Voting Green is a vote to protect our wildlife, our ecosystems, and our planet. In a minority government, we will hold Labor to account and fight for stronger action to save our species, combat the climate crisis, and safeguard our precious environment.”