WIRES Announces Stage 2 Emergency Funding Plans
Sunday, May 7, 2023
WIRES has announced the allocation of $35 million in funding as part of Stage 2 plans for their Emergency Fund to help Australian native wildlife
The priorities of Stage 2 plans are focused on Rescue, Rehabilitation and Recovery.
“A major aim of our Stage 2 plan is to build national rescue and rehabilitation capacity through collaboration and long-term programs,” said WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor. “We are extremely grateful for the support received from the community both here in Australia and internationally and we are fully committed to using this opportunity to improve the outcomes for our native animals now and in the future.”
A key program included in the Stage 2 plans is a national grants program to be run over the next five years to support non-WIRES licensed wildlife rescuers and carers. $5 million will be distributed to assist licensed carers and groups to support best practice rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. Details of the grants program will be announced soon.
As the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia, WIRES is also committed to developing a national network by enhancing state-based systems and improving the structures and support for wildlife rescue and care. $5 million has been allocated to this program.
WIRES will continue to work alongside Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC) by providing funding for critical supplies including food, medical needs and the distribution of craft items to support wildlife carers during emergency events. $420,000 has been allocated to support 23 ARC HUB locations nationally.
WIRES will also be providing $1.6 million in funding to support research following a study commissioned to identify knowledge gaps in habitat conservation and species recovery in the changed landscape post the Black Summer Bushfires.
A further $23 million has been allocated to other projects, programs and partnerships directly supporting species and habitat recovery initiatives and conservation efforts. This will directly address the ongoing impacts of the 2019/2020 emergency events including drought and fire that devastated wildlife populations. Details of specific programs will continue to be announced throughout 2021.
Recent Posts
WIRES Giving Day raises funds to feed the influx of Spring and Summer rescues
WIRES launches Emergency Response to assist massive numbers of LPS affected Rainbow Lorikeets
Platypus & Plains-wanderer protection
Third Round of WIRES National Grants Opens in July
WIRES Northern Rivers & Clarence Valley welcome new Emergency Responder and Wildlife Ambulance
Birds exposed to Fenthion released back to the wild
Spring strategies for swooping birds and snakes
Aussie Ark Partners with WIRES in Landmark Partnership for Australian Wildlife
Contact media@wires.org.au for enquiries or call 0416 272 153.
For the latest updates on bushfire recovery projects and emergency response
Read WIRES Emergency Recovery Plan and WIRES National Emergency Response Plan