WWF WELCOMES GREENS PLEDGE TO PROTECT AUSTRALIA’S THREATENED SPECIES

WWF-Australia today welcomed the Greens’ announcement of a $20 billion Nature Fund to protect Australia’s threatened species and the party’s commitments to increase Indigenous Ranger numbers to 5,000 and to boost national parks and marine reserves.

WWF-Australia’s recently released policy WWF’s plan for Australia’s iconic wildlife and oceans, highlighted that the koala and 2,000 other Australian animals and plants are threatened with extinction unless immediate action is taken.

“Currently, for every $20 spent by the Australian government only one cent goes to conserving our unique native animals and plants,” said WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman.

“This will not turn around the species extinction crisis facing Australia."

“WWF urges the government and the ALP to increase the amount of funding dedicated to saving our threatened Australian species."

“We also call on all parties to match the Greens’ commitment to increase Indigenous Ranger positions to 5,000 with equal opportunity for women rangers."

“Ranger positions play a vital role in protecting country and saving species,” Mr O’Gorman.