The Hon Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
Member for Fenner
Support For Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary To Prepare For H5 Bird Flu
30 January 2026
The Albanese Government is investing $185,000 to safeguard native species at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, in response to the threat of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu).
Australia is the only continent that remains free from H5 bird flu. Its rapid global spread, primarily through the movement of migratory birds, has led to significant impacts on poultry, wild birds and some mammal species overseas. Cases have also been detected in people. If H5 bird flu reaches Australia it could significantly impact agricultural industries, wildlife including threatened species, and communities.
Last November, testing confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu in samples collected from southern elephant seals on Heard Island, a remote sub-Antarctic Australian external territory more than 4,000km south-west of Perth.
Today’s funding announcement will support Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary to boost critical biosecurity measures, to protect the eastern quoll from a potential future outbreak in Australia.
This includes:
- Installation of biosecurity elements to enclosures,
- Upgrading wildlife triage and isolation for injured and sick animals,
- Upskilling staff in biosecurity knowledge.
Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh said eastern quoll play an important role nationally in making sure their species have safe, healthy futures ahead.
“The Albanese Government is very pleased to support Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary to continue the important work they do.
“Because bird flu is often spread by migratory birds it’s impossible to completely avoid the risk of it reaching Australia.
“That’s why this funding builds on our Government’s broader $100 million investment to prepare for the arrival of H5 bird flu, which includes $35.9 million to boost environmental measures and accelerate protective action for threatened species.”
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