AdvocacyAnimals live in a world dominated by the concerns of people. Matters affecting native animals are often pushed aside leaving this group of unique fauna without representation in important decisions.

As people encroach further into the habitat of native animals the need to represent their interests becomes greater. The NWC believes it has a moral duty to advocate on behalf of Australian wildlife through communications with government and other important institutions.

24/09/2019 – NSW Wildlife Council Submission to NSW Government Waste and Recovery Strategy

The NSW Wildlife Council welcomes the invitation to comment as part of the NSW Government development of the new 20year Waste and Recovery Strategy.

Plastics and twine are the major items of concern that have a direct detrimental effect on wildlife but within our submission we discuss and expand on the top ten plastic/waste items wildlife carers find problematic for wildlife.

28/06/2016 – Biodiversity Reforms – Have Your Say

While recognising the importance of climate change and preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat and the dangers presented to these by the Draft Bill’s proposed risks-based approach, the New South Wales Wildlife Council is limiting its submission to matters directly affecting the licensing and operation of the wildlife rehabilitation sector in NSW.

6/4/2013 – Minister Parker (OEH) — Hunting in NSW National Parks Amendment
Active support for this amendment to the relevant Acts is causing grave concern to many thousands of citizens who do not understand how such core values, upheld for generations, with respect to the establishment of our national parks, could simply be ignored.

29/1/2013 – Minister Gallacher (Police) — Amendment to the Firearms Act 1996
Follow up letter to one previously sent on 13 September 2012.

23/1/2013 – NSW Police Force Firearms Registry — NWC Firearms Safety Training
Final submission and formal request for approval of the New South Wales Wildlife Council’s Firearms Safety Brief.

13/12/2012 – Office of Environment & Heritage — Kangaroo Culling
Regarding the NSW Wildlife Council proposal of 17 July 2012 seeking to adjust s121 & s123 Occupier Licence application processes.

8/12/2012 – The NSW Premier O’Farrell — Funding Cuts to the EDO
The NSW Wildlife Council is dismayed by the prospect of funding cuts to the EDO (formerly the Environmental Defender’s Office NSW). NWC urges the NSW Government to ensure that Public Purpose Funding and Government funding are not withdrawn from the EDO and that the Government makes clear its support for such funding to be ongoing.

30/11/2012 – NSW Police Force Firearms Registry — NWC Firearms Safety Training
Initial submission of the New South Wales Wildlife Council’s Firearms Safety Brief.

13/9/2012 – Minister Gallacher (Police) — Amendment to the Firearms Act 1996
Up until 2012, the NWC and the Firearms Registry worked on the basis that wildlife group volunteers were included in the term “other handler of animals” under the Act. However legal advice provided to the Firearms Registry suggests the genuine reason of “Animal Welfare” does not apply to wildlife rehabilitators. The Act needs to be amended to include wildlife rehabilitators specifically.

31/8/2012 – Office of Environment & Heritage — Kangaroo Culling
Response to letter from OEH dated 14 August 2012, regarding the NWC recommendation to make a limited change to the S121 and S123 Occupier License Application process. The NSW Wildlife Council is disappointed with the Office of Environment and Heritage response. The NWC believes the benefits of the proposal may not have been fully considered by the OEH.

29/8/2012 – The Royal Botanic Gardens (Sydney) — Flying Fox Dispersal
Request for feedback to a list of concerns the NWC has regarding the welfare of Flying Foxes during a dispersal program commenced in May 2012.

17/7/2012 – Office of Environment & Heritage — Kangaroo Culling
The NWC wishes to recommend a change to the application processes covered by Section 121 Occupier Licence, and Section 123 Occupier Harvester’s Licence. The suggested changes will delver better outcomes for rehabilitated wildlife, improve environmental decision-making, and boost public confidence in the NSW Commercial Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2012-2016.

23/9/2011 – The Editor (SMH) — Senate Koala Inquiry
The Senate Committee’s surprise at the complexity surrounding the status, health and sustainability of Australia’s koalas and at the level of community commitment and passion that is invested in koalas may serve as a wake-up call for Minister Burke.

27/6/2011 – Minister Parker (OEH) — Orchard Netting & Cessation of Shooting Licences
The New South Wales Wildlife Council welcomes the Environment Minister’s decision to allocate $5 million for exclusion netting for orchardists and the phasing out of shooting licences. This is wonderful news for these unique and very important animals, some species of which are currently classified as vulnerable.

04/06/2010 – Minister Garrett (Environment – Fed.) — Grey-headed Flying Foxes in Sydney Botanic Gardens
A letter to Peter Garrett expressing the dismay of the NWC regarding his decision to grant approval to disperse the colony of grey-headed flying foxes from the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens.

21/12/2009 – NWC Members — Proposed Changes to the NWC Structure
The main outcomes of the NWC committee meeting on 17 December 2009 discussing possible changes to the NWC constitution to make the Council more effective.

11/2005 – Minister Debus (Environment – NSW) — 7 Day Rule for Keeping Injured Wildlife
Letter to the Hon Bob Debus, Minister for the Environment, explaining the Council’s objection to a provision in the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 which allows untrained members of the public to hold injured / orphaned wildlife for up to 7 days before reporting or handing over to a trained / licensed person.