02/04/2025
UPDATE:
The following is a statement from Moyne Shire Council regarding this issue.
"Moyne Shire Council acknowledges the receipt of a proposal from Mosswood Wildlife to use part of the former Koroit Racecourse Reserve for a tree plantation.
The proposed location is Crown land and is currently utilised.
Moyne has only now become aware of the urgency of this matter to Mosswood Wildlife through yesterday’s Facebook post, and appreciates community’s interest in their work.
Moyne Shire does not own the land in question.
Council is the Committee of Management at the proposed location, and in this role is responsible for advising the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on uses of the land.
Given Mosswood Wildlife has expressed a sense of urgency, and given a number of complexities inherent with this location that will prohibit a fast decision, Moyne will contact Mosswood Wildlife today to offer our support to explore alternatives."
BREAKING - LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUE & REHABILITATION FACILITY TO CLOSE IT'S DOORS IF THE MOYNE SHIRE COUNCIL DOESN'T CONSIDER ALLOCATING A PORTION OF KOROIT RACE COURSE LAND FOR PLANTATION.
Koroit-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation service Mosswood Wildlife will be forced to close its doors if a suitable location for a plantation to help feed animals in its care isn't found according to owner/founders Tracey and Peter Wilson.
The opportunity to use a portion of the former Koroit Racecourse has the organisation feeling optimistic. Tracey hopes the Moyne Shire Council will support the volunteer-based organisation's application to lease a portion of the land.
"Ideally we would love to have the opportunity to share a portion of the former Koroit Racecourse site to help our organisation survive long into the future" Founder Tracey Wilson said.
The volunteer organisation responsible for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of upwards of 1500 animals a year has called on the Moyne Shire Council to consider it as a prospective land user.
Mosswood has reached out to various council members, including Moyne Shire Council Mayor Karen Foster and has submitted a formal Expression of Interest to lease a portion of the Shire-managed Crown Land, previously the Koroit Racecourse.
"I received an email from Mayor Karen Foster acknowledging our submission. We understand there is a process that has to be followed and this all takes time, however, we really need to get trees into the ground this Autumn and as we are running our Free Tree Initiative, it would be perfect for us to be able to use some for this purpose” Tracey said.
Currently, volunteers have to travel ever-increasing distances around the district multiple times a week so that Mosswood has a regular supply of browse for the large number of koalas that come into their care.
However, it's becoming unsustainable – approximately 300 koalas come through Mosswood’s Wildlife Clinic a year. The local sources of leaf are becoming scarce. Every other organisation that rehabilitates these number of koalas have their own, multiple plantations.
"The Koroit Racecourse site is essential to our survival as an organisation, if we can't find a suitable place to plant specific trees suitable for Koalas to eat, we will have no choice but to close the doors". Tracey said.
Mosswood Wildlife is the only wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre that has its own wildlife clinic and attending veterinarian between the outskirts of Melbourne and the South Australian Border.
"If Mosswood has to close its doors, the asset to the local community and wildlife of an experienced wildlife vet and extensive facilities ends with us, which could have a devastating impact on wildlife in the South West District."
"We are calling on the support of the Moyne Shire to help us. Providing a section of the Koroit Racecourse for us to plant trees may not seem like much, but it is a vital step towards preserving Mosswoods future and the benefits it provides.
The Moyne Shire Council has previously supported other community-based organisations in the use of the crown land, including the Model Aeroplane Club.
Moyne Shire Council
Dan Tehan MP
Roma Britnell MP
Jacinta Ermacora MP
ifaw
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Koroit Community Notice Board
I am a Nationally Accredited, Qualified Hoof Care Practitioner & Veterinary Nurse. ABN 43 427 381 814 SERVICING most of SOUTH WEST VICTORIA
