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Native wildlife protection shouldn't be a case of Shoo or Shoot
Hello,
When I ask people what they think our state's Wildlife Act does, most Victorians rightly assume it protects native wildlife. It’s a smart assumption. But not an accurate one.
The fact is there is an alarming provision in the Act that allows for the probable destruction of native wildlife.
Through a very murky “Authority to Control Wildlife permit system, in the last 10 years alone, permits were issued for close to 100 different animals. This includes Wombats, Emus, Australian Fur Seals, Satin Bowerbirds and Black Swans.
Disturbingly, it’s unclear if these permits were for lethal or non-lethal control. More shocking still is the issuing of permits to “control” threatened wildlife (such as the Brolga, Grey-headed Flying Fox, Hardhead Duck and the Murray River Turtle).
But there's hope for the future of our wildlife. An independent expert panel is conducting the most comprehensive review of Victoria’s Wildlife Act since it became law in 1975.
At the moment the Wildlife Act doesn’t currently do much at all to protect wildlife.
It largely exists to protect exotic game animals like deer, and to regulate the destruction of native wildlife. It provides no direct protection for wildlife habitat – and the regulations give exemptions to the logging industry.
A well overdue overhaul of the Act is our chance to create a new set of protections for our treasured critters and their habitats.
We've compiled a list of key points that you could include in your submission. The closing date for public submissions to the review is Wednesday 9 June 2021.
Would you like to make a submission but don't know where to start?
Come along to a special Wildlife Review briefing Thursday 3 June at 6pm. Simply scroll to the bottom of the submission guideline page and RSVP.
The time has come to review and revise our outdated Wildlife Act. Submissions close soon.
Make sure you have your say to make sure Victoria’s much-loved wildlife and their habitats get the legal protections they deserve under a renewed and powerful Wildlife Act.
Thanks for helping us to protect our native wildlife,
Matt Ruchel, Executive Director.
P.S. Everyone is welcome to join our special Wildlife Review briefing Thursday 3 June at 6pm. Simply scroll to the bottom of the submission guideline page and RSVP.
Image 1: Young male Satin Bowerbird | Photographer: Jon Augier | Museums Victoria
Image 2: Black Wallaby | Photographer: Ed Dunens | Flickr
