Conservation efforts of Queensland wildlife hospitals supported by funding

Queensland’s not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation groups and privately funded wildlife hospitals play a major role in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of protected animals every year and as such the State Government is supporting their efforts with appropriate funding contributions.

The Queensland Government is donating $10,000 to the Sunshine Coast organisation -Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue - to support their outstanding wildlife work in helping sick and injured pelicans and seabirds.

The State Government has also allocated another $6 million over four years to bolster the South East Queensland Wildlife Hospital Network which includes the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital.

Commenting on the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue conservation efforts, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advised “I was very impressed when I saw Bridgette and Paula Powers on Australian Story.

“Their dedication and passion as wildlife conservationists is truly admirable, and their track record of voluntary work over so many years deserves our backing.”

For more than 20 years, Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue has been caring for birds that have been injured by propellers, caught in fishing lines, or injured or sick for other reasons.

“The twins’ appearance on Australian Story served to shine a new light on their long-running work,” the Premier said.

“Our $10,000 contribution will hopefully inspire others to also support them and their mum Helen to help meet their running costs.”

Local State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said in every community, there are people who go the extra mile for those who need help and added “for Helen and the Twinnies, it’s our beautiful coastal birdlife which benefits from their tireless work and gigantic hearts.”

Premier Palaszczuk also took the opportunity to highlight the state government’s commitment to plastic reduction and advised “we have also taken strong action on plastic waste, and the harmful impact it has on our wildlife, including sea birds.

“Since September, single-use plastic items have been banned in Queensland, with consideration now being given to expanding the ban.

“That followed our ban of lightweight single-use plastic bags in July 2018, and the Container Refund Scheme which has seen nearly three billion containers returned for refunds since 2018.”