Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747:reg:4:p42
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 42/80)
Character Range: 130735–137109

Action Plan 2022-2032, and the State of the Environment Report).                                                                                 2029 and 2034
National databases collating data on cat density and diet are maintained and curated, with an increase of at least 50% more records by 2034.                                                                                                                                                                                        2034
Monitoring for the effectiveness of feral cat control, including the potential for perverse outcomes, is undertaken, with results collated and used to refine management.                                                                                                                                                           2029 and 2034
MAINTAIN PUBLIC SUPPORT – Information about cat impacts and management outcomes is transparent and accessible.
Public awareness of cat impacts, the benefits for native species of eradicating / controlling feral cats, and support for feral and pet cat management that reduces impacts on Australian biodiversity, is maintained or increased.                                                                                                 2029 and 2034

Actions

      Table 5 Objective 2. Actions

Objective 2. Plan cat management within an evidence-based framework, with broad stakeholder and community support  Relative priority                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Cost       Responsibility  Timelines
Prioritise and plan using evidence
2.1                                                                                                                Prioritise cat-free islands on which surveillance monitoring for cat incursions should be established.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High       Medium          Researchers; Commonwealth, state and territory governments; Traditional Owners.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Starting immediately
                                                                                                                        * Prioritisation is likely to be based on: the biodiversity and cultural values potentially compromised by cats (e.g. number of cat-susceptible species and the irreplaceability of populations); the likelihood that cats could be introduced there (e.g. proximity to mainland, popularity as a stopover location for boats); and, the feasibility of a rapid response to remove the cat(s) should they be detected. (Note links to Actions 3.1, 5.1 and 5.2 and Objective 8.)
                                                                                                                        * Traditional Owners should be involved in prioritising cat-free islands for surveillance monitoring.
                                                                                                                   The Kimberley Islands Safe Haven group could offer a suitable pilot study for regional surveillance prioritisation for cat-free islands.
2.2                                                                                                                Prioritise islands for feral cat eradication, to protect cat-susceptible species and potentially support island translocations. Prioritisation should include islands where feral cat eradication is already being considered or has been initiated.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Very High  Medium          Researchers; Commonwealth, state and territory governments; non-government organisations (NGOs); Traditional Owners                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Starting immediately
                                                                                                                        * Prioritisation is likely to be based on: the residual biodiversity values that are threatened by cats (e.g. number of cat-susceptible species and seabird breeding colonies, and the irreplaceability of populations); the cultural values ascribed by First Nations people that are threatened by cats; the likelihood that cats could re-invade (e.g. proximity to mainland, popularity as a stopover location for boats); feasibility of feral cat eradication; costs; stakeholder support; and, the feasibility of a rapid response to remove the cat(s) should they re-invade.
                                                                                                                        * Prioritisation should also consider the potential use of the island as a haven for mammal translocations and/or restoration of seabird breeding populations. Such translocations would be subject to risk assessment (including risks to the biodiversity and other values already present