Dear The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP,

I am writing as a member of the Victorian community concerned about the welfare and ongoing survival of grey-headed flying foxes in the face of extreme heat events, like the ones recently seen across Victoria in January 2026.

Grey-headed flying foxes are a nationally threatened species, they are also keystone pollinators and critical to the health of Australia’s forests. In recent heat events, thousands of bats have died across south-eastern Australia, with wildlife carers and rescue organisations overwhelmed by the scale and severity of impacts. Climate science tells us that extreme heat days are becoming more frequent and more intense, yet current systems for preparation, response and coordination remain inadequate.

I respectfully urge the Victorian Government to strengthen its approach to flying fox heat stress events by:

• Improving early communication and coordination between government agencies, local councils, land managers and registered wildlife carers ahead of forecasted extreme heat days.

• Providing dedicated resourcing and logistical support to wildlife carers and bat rescue organisations, including emergency funding, equipment and on-ground assistance.

• Developing and publicly sharing clear, science-based heat stress response protocols for known flying fox camps across Victoria.

• Supporting long-term planning that recognises flying foxes as climate-vulnerable wildlife and integrates their protection into broader climate adaptation strategies, including the protection and improvement of their roosting and feeding habitat in Victoria.

Wildlife carers play a critical frontline role during these events, often with limited support and at significant personal cost. Better collaboration and preparedness would not only reduce animal suffering, but also improve public safety, wellbeing and trust.

I appreciate the Victorian Government’s existing commitments to biodiversity and climate resilience, and I urge you to act swiftly to ensure grey-headed flying foxes, along with those working to protect them, are better supported in the face of worsening extreme heat.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome any information on how your office is responding to these recent events and what further steps are being taken.

Yours sincerely,
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT DATE]