Tuesday, 10 September 2019

In reply to  Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (14 August 2019)

Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes):

I am aware of and appreciate the considerable time and effort that Mange Management Victoria dedicate to raising awareness of mange in wombats, developing and administering the treatment program and distributing treatment kits to members of the public.

I was briefed on the effects of mange in wombats and I also responded to requests from the group for financial support in 2017. I understand that the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff have met with the group to discuss these requests, and to encourage them to continue to apply for future funding opportunities as they become available.

The Victorian Government values the work of community groups, such as Mange Management Victoria, in protecting and conserving Victoria’s flora and fauna. There are over 1000 volunteer and community groups in the environment sector in Victoria. The government is unable to provide ongoing funding to all of these groups; however, it offers a number of community grant programs to assist community groups with their efforts.

I would encourage the group to continue to work with DELWP officers on this matter.