The operators of a new Moreton Bay wildlife hospital have been given a $1 per annum peppercorn lease for 10 years.
The Foundation to run the hospital was leased a $3m parcel of land at Dakabin by Moreton Bay City Council earlier this week.
The council follows the State Government’s announcement it will give $15 million for the project.
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Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway says the lease will help the Foundation turn the hospital into reality.
“Council is proud to support the delivery of our city’s first dedicated wildlife hospital, which will advance care of our native wildlife,” she says.
“This new facility will mean injured animals such as koalas, kangaroos and echidnas can be treated locally rather than being driven up to two hours for care at Wacol or Beerwah.”
WOUNDED WILDLIFE
Councillor Yvonne Barlow claims the hospital project will help protect animals against the impact of human population growth.
“As we provide housing and infrastructure for our surging population, it’s important we support our native animals and this facility will do just that,” she said.
“Time is of the essence when it comes to injured wildlife so it’s great our community leasing program will help pave the way for a local facility which will ultimately increase animal survival rates and lighten the load on our wildlife carers.”
Foundation director Christine West says the lease paved the way for the hospital.
“The establishment of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital is such a vital step forward, a dedicated local facility that will keep care close to home, reducing transport stress on injured animals and easing the burden on our rescue network,” she says.
“We are so grateful to the State Government and (council) for their support and investment in this critical infrastructure,” she says.
The hospital facility will include an education hub to teach the public about wildlife and possibly get them to help assist in their ongoing care, rehabilitation and release.
WHAT IS A PEPPERCORN LEASE?
Peppercorn rent refers to a nominal payment, often a very small sum or a symbolic item, to formalise a contract or lease. This practice ensures an agreement is legally binding by satisfying the requirement of consideration even when the primary intent is not to make financial gain. Source: legalclarity.org
