The Hodgman Liberal Government has today announced funding of $100,000 for the establishment of a new program to secure the recovery of Tasmania's wombat population from the devastating impact of mange.
While wombat mange mite infestation is prevalent across many states, it is clear that Tasmania’s wombat population needs some special help in responding to the issue here in Tasmania. As a Government, we are determined to do all we can to help our wombats in the fight against this insidious disease.
The recovery program will be a collaborative effort focussed on a number of immediate actions including enhanced state-wide monitoring of wombats to help us better understand the prevalence and severity of mange, additional research into the disease, and additional support for a number of community groups actively involved in first response efforts in caring for affected wombats.
Importantly, the funding will examine the potential for more effective treatment options. This will include trials for both new and existing mange treatments to determine the most effective treatment options, as well as examining the potential for the establishment of a mobile response capability.
The new program will be a joint effort between the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment, the University of Tasmania, and volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia, ensuring the best possible prospects of success in responding to the disease and securing a positive future for Tasmania’s wombat population.
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