Australian government pledges $50M to help wild animals affected by bushfires

According to the Australian , the federal government will pledge at least $50 million to help the wildlife affected by the endless bushfires. The decision fallows after some activist groups called for action by writing directly to the the federal environment minister, Sussan Ley, the Guardian reported.

The government representatives aim to collaborate with ecologists and scientists as a long-term restoration effort. However, right now the top priority would be all the wild animals affected by the blaze.

Speaking for Sunrise, treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the “initial investment of $50m into the protection and restoration of our wildlife and habitat is a critical step in creating a viable future for animals that have survived.” According to him, there are more investments to come. The money are coming from the government’s $2 billion bushfire recovery fund.

According to the World Wildlife Fund Australia, the bushfires effects on the country’s biodiversity are dramatic and most likely irreversible. At least 26 million acres of land have been burned and what’s most heartbreaking – around 1,25 billion animals have died, including “thousands of precious koalas on the mid-north coast of NSW, along with other iconic species such as kangaroos, wallabies, gliders, potoroos, cockatoos and honeyeaters,” the World Wildlife Fund Australia shows in a statement.

Mr. Frydenberg also added that “$25 million will be used to set up an emergency recovery fund which will be lead by Australia’s Threatened Species Commissioner, Dr Sally Box,” while the other “$25 million will also be going to various volunteer groups, which are doing important work looking after damaged animals.”

Source: 7news.com.au | the guardian | the australian

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