Question details
Aerial shooting of koalas at Budj Bim National Park
Following a bushfire in the Budj Bim National Park in March 2025, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) led an emergency response to assess and manage the welfare of impacted wildlife.
Specialist staff worked with experienced veterinarians, locally trained and authorised wildlife carers, and animal welfare experts to undertake ground and aerial health assessments. These assessments used established animal welfare guidelines to assess injuries and overall health of each individual animal.
This operation concluded on the 9 May 2025 and was funded through DEECA’s emergency response arrangements.
The Allan Labor Government committed to spending $600,000 over two years for ‘Caring for Koalas’ initiative in the State Budget handed down on the 20 May 2025. This funding provides continued support for Victoria’s koalas through the delivery of koala management programs aimed at protecting koala welfare and habitat health.
Steve Dimopoulos MP
Member for Oakleigh
Minister for Environment