Petition Vehicle registration levy to fund emergency wildlife care

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the need for a road levy charge for registered vehicles to help fund emergency wildlife care.

Australia has one of the highest mammal extinction rates in the world, greatly affecting our native wildlife. One of the biggest contributing factors is road trauma from car and truck accidents. Last year there were thousands of reported cases of wildlife killed or maimed on our roads in Victoria.

Wildlife care is primarily managed by volunteers who give their own time and money to rescue, rehabilitate and respond to emergencies, including road strikes. The Government currently issues sporadic funding through grant programs with different sets of limitations for shelter operators and rescuers. These are often capped at $3,000, which is barely enough to pay for food and medicine to care for injured and orphaned animals. Additional funding could be obtained by adding a $2 levy to each Victorian vehicle registration which can then be utilised to provide a more consistent and secure grant program, giving back to the people on the ground.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to implement a road levy charge for registered vehicles to help fund emergency wildlife care.