The economic impact of wildlife care in 2025
Left to Right: Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt and Wildlife Recovery Australia CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil meet in Canberra with a Bare-nosed wombat patient treated by WRA veterinary staff inside Matilda, Australia’s first and only mobile wildlife hospital during its National Tour. Photo: Peter Frare
Non-profit environmental conservation charity Wildlife Recovery Australia generated $4.4 million in value added and supported 28 jobs in Australia in 2025, according to an independent economic impact report commissioned by the organisation.
Environmental charity activities such as those operated by Wildlife Recovery Australia generate economic benefits for the local, regional, state and national economies through operational expenditure associated with the organisation.
The contribution made by WRA and the facilities under its operation – namely, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre and Wildlife Recovery Australia Hospital – to the economies of the Byron Shire, Northern Rivers, New South Wales and Australia in 2024/25 were assessed by Lawrence Consulting using the Local Impact economic model, based on input-output tables.
“In the financial year 2025, WRA contributed $1.5 million in direct spending alone to the Northern Rivers region in which we operate,” said WRA CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil.
“Factoring in the multiplier effects of gross output, wages and salaries, jobs created and supported, and contribution to Gross Regional Product, our operations not only create positive welfare outcomes for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, but supports almost 30 jobs and contributes millions of dollars into regional, state and national economies.
Read the full economic impact report here.
Wildlife Recovery Australia employs full-time veterinarians and nurses with expertise and knowledge in the unique physiology and anatomy of a wide diversity of species of native animals. Photo: Peter Frare
A juvenile platpus receiving care at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. Photo Craig Parry Photography
An Eastern Grey Kangaroo found stranded in floodwaters in the aftermath of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, receives critical care at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. Photo: James D Morgan | Getty Images