The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has three months of cashflow before potentially closing its doors, leaving the Northern Rivers without a dedicated veterinary hospital to treat and care for injured wildlife.

In fact, the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is the only all-species wildlife hospital outside of Taronga Zoo's two in Sydney and Dubbo.

As reported on July 7, the NSW Government revoked a $6 million four-year funding agreement that was agreed to by the former Liberal/National Party in February 2023, citing its work does not demonstrate 'value for money'.

The future of the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is turning into a political battle as Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane visited the hospital yesterday.

(Katy Ison, Vet Nurse, Kellie Sloane MP and Dr Bree Talbot)

Minister Sloane said the Minns government is making a short-sighted decision that has left the service with just three months’ cash flow.

“This is expected to be a particularly hot summer, with a high threat of bushfires, but this funding emergency may force the Hospital doors to close well before then,” said Ms Sloane.

“The Hospital’s important work, helping injured wildlife, needs the government’s support, and instead, the Minns government is slashing and cutting funding for cost of living programs, infrastructure and this vital service.”

“Minister Penny Sharpe has to explain to the community what she plans to do when the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital shuts – you can’t just say no and leave the injured wildlife to their fate.”

The Hospital has started a petition, which has had 13,000 signatures in the past week alone.

“Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has been silent on this matter and is refusing to meet with the managers to help find solutions - it’s simply not good enough.”

The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital operates seven days a week from its permanent base in Knockrow, the old Macadamia Castle.

The fully licensed and staffed veterinary hospital can be mobilised to treat and care for injured wildlife wherever needed, including rural and remote areas. It is designed and equipped to work with emergency services and wildlife rescue groups in natural disasters like bushfires, floods or mass strandings of marine life.

Dr Stephen Van Mil, Founder and CEO of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, said, “We were very grateful to receive a call from the Shadow Environment Minister on Friday ahead of her visit on the weekend.

“It’s only by seeing the region’s only all-species wildlife hospital and the level of care our vet team give to saving sick and injured wildlife that the value of our service can be fully appreciated. This includes our ability to respond to wildlife impacted in a natural disaster like a flood or bushfire.

“Kellie has pledged her full support and has undertaken to contact the Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to advocate for emergency funding for our work. We hope that Minister Sharpe will respond to our invitations to visit before the budget and bushfire season.”

If you would like to add your signature to the 'Provide Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital emergency funds to keep saving sick & injured wildlife' campaign, click here.