The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has starred in two federal election campaign announcements in the marginal seat of Richmond, with both The Greens and Labor promising funds if they get the numbers in the 3 May election.
Most analysis of voter sentiment suggests a minority Labor government, with The Greens focused hard on winning balance of power.
Either or both ways, the wildlife hospital looks certain to benefit after relying on donations and volunteers since opening in 2020.
Wildlife emergency care dependent on donors
Vets and wildlife carers operate the service from a large mobile emergency clinic parked in the former Macadamia Castle’s carpark at Knockrow in the Ballina Shire.
The trailer is also designed to be of use in natural disasters to treat impacted wildlife.
The hospital has received generous support from the local community and afar and hosted fundraiser music and comedy gigs in Byron to maintain services but operators have long been calling for government support.
Meanwhile, another new wildlife emergency hospital further south in Wollongbar started taking its first patients this month with some funding support from the NSW government as well as charities and other donors.
When wildlife counts: Greens v Labor
Greens Senator Sarah Hansen-Young was in the Richmond electorate last month, in the week leading up to the official launch of her party’s candidate for the marginal seat, Mandy Nolan.
The party’s environment spokesperson staged a media announcement at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, announcing $20 million for a new national wildlife emergency vet care scheme if The Greens win balance of power.
Funding for the hospital, as well as other similar facilities, would be included, the senator said.
Nearly four weeks later, Labor has also made funding promises to the charity, with incumbent Labor MP Justine Elliot on Tuesday promising $2 million if her government is re-elected.
‘Labor is taking strong action to better protect and recover our native wildlife and this commitment will help do just that,’ Ms Elliot said via media release.
Staff at the hospital had treated more than 9,000 native animals, including hundreds of threatened species, Ms Elliot said, and she wanted ‘to thank the whole team’ for their ‘important veterinary work rehabilitating native animals and leading the way for wildlife protection across the North Coast’.
‘Labor listens and Labor acts – that’s why a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $2 million election commitment for the expansion of operations at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital,’ the incumbent said.
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