The Allan Labor Government has approved the use of helicopter-based snipers to shoot up to 750 koalas in Budj Bim National Park, in what is believed to be the first aerial shooting of koalas in Victoria.
The operation, overseen by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, has sparked an outcry from wildlife advocates, who question both the ethics and effectiveness of the government’s approach.
Jess Robertson, President of the Koala Alliance, has said that: “There is no way they can tell if a koala is in poor condition from a helicopter.”
Further, Wildlife Victoria’s requests to send trained staff and veterinarians to the area have been met with silence by the Labor Government.
Despite valid concerns, Premier Jacinta Allan has strongly endorsed the Department’s approach saying: “… this approach was deemed the way to really recognise the koalas were in a lot of distress.”
Shadow Minister for Environment, Brad Rowswell, said: “Victorians will be shocked to learn that the Allan Government has quietly authorised the aerial shooting of koalas.”
“Premier Allan has claimed her government’s decision was informed by independent veterinary and animal welfare advice. If that is true, they should immediately release this advice to the public.”
Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath, said: “Before such a significant action is undertaken, every effort should be taken to spare those animals that are not suffering.
“This blanket approach of shooting every animal from a helicopter rather than individual assessments flies in the face of the most basic animal welfare guidelines and this decision should certainly be re-considered.”
