Koala deaths in Cape Bridgewater to be investigated

Authorities are probing a “koala massacre” in Victoria’s southwest after distressing images emerged allegedly showing dead and dying koalas on a property that had been logged. WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT.

WARNING – DISTURBING CONTENT

Up to 500 koalas may have been killed during the logging of a bluegum plantation in the state’s southwest.

Distressing images have emerged of dead and injured koalas at a blue gum plantation at Cape Bridgewater, near Portland.

Concerned local Helen Oakley said she had seen more than a dozen dead koalas within a 30m radius.

“They have bulldozed 140 acres down and just killed all of our koalas,” an emotional Ms Oakley said.

“The government should have stepped in and fixed this.

“Look at the destruction they have done, there is koalas lying there dead.

“Mothers killed and their little babies.

Distressing images have emerged of dead and injured koalas at a blue gum plantation at Cape Bridgewater

“Australia should be ashamed of this.”

Ms Oakley also alleges when she complained to DELWP she was asked to “refrain from speaking to the media” as it would aggravate the owner of the property.

A DELWP spokeswoman said the department was “extremely concerned” about the reports of animals showing signs of starvation and injury.

Posted by Helen Oakley on Friday, 31 January 2020

They said the Conservation Regulator is currently investigating this matter.

“If this is found to be due to deliberate human action, we expect the Conservator Regular to act swiftly against those responsible,” the spokeswoman said.

“Wildlife welfare assessment and triage will continue with qualified carers and vets.

“DELWP will be onsite ensuring resources and expertise is available to continue to care for wildlife injured.

“A number of animals have been removed and assessed and are now being cared for by local rehabilitation volunteers.

There are reports hundreds of koalas were starved when their habitat was logged. Picture: Helen Oakley

“Animals that were considered to not require immediate removal were provided with food and water.”

Killing, harassing or disturbing wildlife can attract a penalty of up to $8000 and an additional fine of more than $800 per head of wildlife.

Members of the public who see wildlife that appears to be injured or distressed as a result of this incident at Portland should call 1300 356 687.

South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the images were “horrific and unacceptable” to see.

“As soon as I became aware I made contact with wildlife carers who were at the plantation and with locals in Cape Bridgewater who have been witnessing this over the past week,” Ms Britnell said.

“I have gathered information from them and will take it to Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio this week at parliament.”

Meanwhile in the state’s east, “distressed and frustrated” wildlife volunteers have called on the government to allow them to enter fire grounds to care for injured animals.

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Wildlife carers claim they have been “locked out”, with only Victorian government agencies and certain “invited” groups allowed to access Gippsland’s fire affected wilderness.

Animal rights group the Australian Society for Kangaroos said the restrictions leave potentially millions of animals to die painful deaths from their burns.

In 2017 the state government introduced mandatory reporting for koala deaths and injuries in the southwest region which occur during the plantation timber harvest.