26-06-2025
Wildlife group takes Victorian government to court over mass helicopter koala cull
A New South Wales wildlife advocacy group has filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court against the Victorian environment department over an aerial cull of about 1,000 koalas in Victoria's south-west.
The koalas were shot in April from a helicopter in the Budj Bim National Park, about four hours' drive west of Melbourne, after a bushfire burnt through about 2,200 hectares of land the previous month.
Australians for Animals (NSW) Incorporated has objected to the aerial cull, and filed for a judicial review.
The koala cull was authorised by the secretary of Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Court documents show Australians for Animals sought a declaration the authorisation decision was invalid and unlawful, along with an injunction to stop further aerial shooting of koalas in the park.
The department previously said wildlife experts and experienced vets approved the operation, which was deemed necessary to end the suffering of starving or burnt koalas after the fire.
The state government has been approached for further comment regarding the legal action.
A directions hearing will be held in the Supreme Court on Monday next week.
