Federal funding backs Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

A $2 million federal funding commitment will support the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital to expand care for sick, injured and orphaned native animals on the NSW North Coast.

The funding was promised during the 2025 federal election campaign and will support the treatment and rehabilitation of about 4000 animals while helping retain veterinarians and vet nurses at the hospital.

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said the funding would strengthen wildlife care and conservation in the region.

“This funding will support the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital to conserve, protect, and sustainably manage our precious natural environment and native animals,” Elliot said.

Elliot said the commitment reflected Labor’s broader approach to wildlife protection on the North Coast.

“Labor is taking strong action to better protect and recover our native wildlife, including on the North Coast, and this funding is helping do just that,” she said.

Elliot said the funding delivered on a local election commitment.

“As your local Labor MP I’m proud to be delivering on my election commitment for $2 million for the expansion of operations at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital,” she said.

Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the funding recognised the hospital’s role in protecting native species.

“We’re pleased to support the important work being done at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, helping to protect Australian native species,” Watt said.

The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has treated more than 10,000 wildlife patients since 2020 and operates as a registered business of Wildlife Recovery Australia.

The funding will be delivered through the Australian Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program, which supports locally led environmental and conservation projects.