Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Returns From Wildlife Licence Holders Due

The next fortnight is a very important time for Victorian native wildlife.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 30th March 2005 - Back to News

That’s because this is the time when Wildlife Licence holders are required to submit a Return to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

DSE Wildlife (Policy) Officer Anthony Ball said: "It is a privilege to be able to keep the variety of native animals that we can in Victoria, but that privilege comes with some conditions."

"One condition is the requirement to send in returns each year and to inform DSE of any changes of address within seven days of moving.

"It’s very important that we keep track of which animals are being kept and who is keeping them, to help us continue to fight the cruel illegal trade in our native fauna species," he said.

Native wildlife which has been bred in captivity and legally obtained may be kept by people who hold a Wildlife Licence issued by (DSE). It is a condition of having a Wildlife Licence that the holder submit a Return to DSE within 14 days after March 31 each year.

The Return simply tells DSE what wildlife was in the Licence Holder’s possession on March 31 and any wildlife that was acquired or disposed of by the Licence Holder over the previous 12 months.

"Nowadays a large list of native animals can be kept in Victoria, though it's only in recent years that some other states of Australia have allowed residents to keep native reptiles," Mr Ball said.

In Victoria all native wildlife is protected and cannot be taken from the wild to be kept as a pet.

The Licence Holder must also keep a copy of the return they submitted and keep it in a safe place with their Protected Wildlife Record Book so that they can be provided to any Wildlife Officer who may inspect wildlife kept under licence conditions.

Due to a large number of people failing to send in returns last year, DSE ran "Operation Woomera" to detect omissions and encourage people to send in their returns. Many people received on the spot fines of approximately $150 for failing to submit Returns within 14 days.

More information about wildlife licenses or current licence holders obtaining blank return forms can be directed to DSE’s Customer Service Centre on 136186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
  Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
• Baw Baw Employment Expo returns this September to connect job seekers with local employers and training providers
  Baw Baw Employment Expo returns September 30, connecting job seekers with local employers, vacancies and training providers. The free event also offers resume support, networking opportunities, industry insights, coffee vouchers and lunch.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
  Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures.
• Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Sale after 17 years, bringing acclaimed performances and Australian premieres to The Wedge on 28 October 2026
  The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will return to Sale on October 28, performing at The Wedge for the first time since 2009, featuring Mozart classics and a world-premiere Australian concerto.
• Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
  Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
  Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Wellington Shire Council 2026 hard waste collection returns this spring for convenient household clean-up and recycling
  Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection returns from September 28 to October 30, offering residents convenient disposal of unwanted household items, including e-waste, while supporting recycling and reducing illegal dumping.
• Dark fairytales spring to life as acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co returns to Berninneit with GRIMM on 18 August 2026
  Shake & Stir Theatre Co returns to Berninneit on August 18 with GRIMM, a visually spectacular reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales for audiences aged 14 and over.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.