The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading the predator-proof fence at Hamilton Sanctuary to better protect endangered species like the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Work on the $500,000 fence has started as part of the Labor Government’s $62.2 million Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery program. The upgraded fence will protect the Eastern Barred Bandicoot population and allow for other endangered species to be released or temporarily housed in the area.

Last year the Eastern Barred Bandicoot was the first Australian species to have its conservation status reclassified from Extinct in the Wild to Endangered.

This was made possible with over 40 years of conservation efforts by Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Glenelg Hopkins CMA, University of Melbourne, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Victorian Government.

Today there are around 100 Eastern Barred Bandicoots at Hamilton Sanctuary in the predator-proof area. These bandicoots form part of the state-wide population of approximately 1,500 Eastern Barred Bandicoots. The upgraded predator-proof fence includes a ‘floppy top’ which prevents foxes and cats from climbing over.

Hamilton Sanctuary will also become an emergency shelter location for animals affected by bushfires, giving them a safe home while they wait to be returned to their natural habitat when the risk subsides.

The Hamilton Sanctuary fence upgrade is part of a significant investment from the Government in wildlife recovery following the 2019-2020 bushfires and will play a key role as part of a network of Safe Havens across the state.

The Labor Government is helping to stop the decline of native plants and animals and improve the state’s natural environment, through its Biodiversity 2037 plan and has invested nearly $500 million towards protecting biodiversity and the natural environment since coming to government in 2014.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The upgrade at Hamilton Sanctuary will greatly improve safety for endangered species in Victoria’s south west and providing an emergency shelter for wildlife impacted by fires.”

“The fence will add to 40 years of conservation efforts that have seen the Eastern Barred Bandicoot brought back from the brink of extinction.”

Quote attributable for Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“This is another fantastic way that the Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery program is helping Victoria’s endangered species.”