Why was QWRC set up?

The need for the establishment of a representative body for wildlife rehabilitation in Queensland was identified within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Wildlife Review Discussion Paper” October 2002 after the associated public consultation meetings across the state, canvassing a review of the wildlife component of the Nature Conservation Regulation 1994. The establishment of an association to amalgamate wildlife rehabilitation interests under an over-arching yet inclusive body was strongly sought by wildlife rehabilitators and government alike.

A steering committee was established, from nominations received from wildlife care groups across the State, relevant peak wildlife conservation and welfare organisations and relevant government departments, to progress the establishment of a statewide wildlife rehabilitation association. The committee met monthly from May 2003. The steering committee comprised of 9 (nine) nominated members of wildlife care associations and 1 representative each from Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ), Royal Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) , Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI &F) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and an independent Chair. This steering committee became the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (QWRC – pronounced Quirk) in August 2004 and received Incorporation under the Associations Incorporations Act 1981 in October 2004 as a not for profit organization.