- The Crisafulli Government is delivering certainty and supporting better outcomes for Queensland's injured wildlife.
- $39.6 million investment will deliver five new and expanded wildlife hospitals, which will provide specialist care to sick and injured animals.
- Three of these facilities will also be open to the public to provide unique ecotourism experiences as part of the Crisafulli Government's landmark Destination 2045 tourism strategy.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a fresh start for Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and supporting better outcomes for sick and injured wildlife by locking-in a $39.6 million boost for the State's wildlife hospital network.
In a fresh start for wildlife protection and ecotourism, the investment will increase Queensland's capacity to care for sick and injured animals in a practical step to preserve Queensland's native wildlife for future generations.
The former Labor Government failed to deliver genuine environmental support during their decade of decline – letting animal hospitals become overcrowded, failing to meet their own target to expand Queensland's protected area estate, and letting recycling rates plummet as more waste went to landfill than ever before.
The Crisafulli Government's funding will support the establishment of three new hospitals at Redlands, Southport and Moreton Bay, while facilities at Currumbin and off the coast of Cairns will be given a fresh start and redeveloped.
The new Sea World Marine Wildlife Hospital at Southport and revamped Green Island Turtle Rehabilitation centre will establish public education hubs while Currumbin Wildlife Hospital continues their amazing visitor experience – allowing visitors to see real-time wildlife treatment firsthand.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future with more ecotourism opportunities in its bold 20-year tourism strategy - Destination 2045 - to capitalise on 2032 and beyond.
An investment of $12 million will help RSPCA establish a new wildlife hospital at Redlands to treat injured wildlife as well as endangered and threatened species.
RSPCA Queensland alone reports they care for and treat over 27,000 sick, injured or orphaned wildlife each year – highlighting the need for more resources.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
"Our passionate carers, veterinarians and wildlife hospitals are life savers, and I want to firstly thank them for their tireless work," Minister Powell said.
"Whether a sick koala, injured bird or dolphin struck by a boat propeller, these state-of-the-art wildlife hospitals will enable better care for thousands of sick and injured animals throughout Queensland.
"Opening these facilities to the public will showcase our veterinarians at work and hopefully inspire the current and next generation to become passionate about wildlife conservation.
"We'll continue to create unique and unforgettable experiences, guided by our bold 20-year tourism plan Destination 2045, to make Queensland a global leader in ecotourism.
"While we are delivering a funding boost to wildlife hospitals, there is much more to be done to deliver for Queensland's future, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised."
RSPCA Queensland CEO Emma Whitehead welcomed the funding and the power of collective action when government, community and supporters come together to help wildlife in need.
"With more than $20 million already raised, the RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital at Redlands will stand as a lasting legacy for wildlife protection in Queensland," Ms Whitehead said.
"The RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Hospital will provide treatment and rehabilitation for injured wildlife animals, particularly for our precious endangered and threatened species, working collaboratively with our wildlife hospital partners in SEQ."
