The Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for recovery coordination at the municipal, regional and state level. This includes provision of advice, information and assistance to affected individuals and communities; together with detailed loss and damage assessments.

Impact on wildlife

DSE is working to assess the flood impact on wildlife and threatened species, to monitor their recovery and to help in the rehabilitation of species and their habitat. During major floods, DSE works closely with experienced wildlife rescuers to help with the recovery and treatment of flood-affected wildlife.

Most Victorian wildlife is well adapted to dealing with floods and will bounce back fast as the floodwaters recede.

People are likely to see wildlife, such as snakes, lizards and kangaroos, isolated or trapped by floodwaters and we urge members of the public, who don’t have the necessary experience and permits, to leave them be.

What you can do to help is:

• Keep wildlife in mind when driving, particularly around dawn and dusk. Wildlife may be concentrated near roads following flooding.
• Keep your dogs and cats under control. Wildlife may be on your property following flooding and will be vulnerable to attack by pets.
• Keep wildlife in mind when you are cleaning up. Rocks and dead logs provide homes and places to search for food for many animals. They will continue to be significant habitat for many species as they recover.

Removing dead stock

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is working with local councils and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in affected communities on designating landfill facilities for the disposal of dead stock. Landholders should contact EPA for locations of farm livestock disposal pits.

Further information

More information is available at www.dse.vic.gov.au (then click on Plants and Animals then Native Plants and Animals, then Caring for Wildlife). People who see a distressed animal can contact DSE Customer Service on 136 186 or RACV Wildlife Connect on 13 11 11.