Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017C00220:reg:2:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017C00220
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2 (pt 19/20)
Character Range: 83086–87388

and because it is not effective, except where populations are truly isolated and all females are neutered. As noted above for domestic cats, the Australian Government does not have the jurisdiction to legislate with respect to stray cats.

Action 4.4 Develop specific communication campaigns to accompany the release of new broad-scale cat control techniques and other current/new cat control techniques and management programs
Action 4.4 builds on the requirement to gain community support for feral cat management. In particular, the release of new toxic baits for feral cats, even with restrictions on their availability and use, may be of concern to elements of the community. An effective communications campaign will be essential for the successful roll out of such products.
Across all of the actions in objective 4 is the need for consideration of Indigenous peoples and their particular cultural values for and beliefs about feral cats. This is particularly the case in central and northern Australia where the land tenure by Indigenous people is high. These areas often have a rich diversity of threatened species requiring protection from cat predation. Culturally appropriate communication and education materials will be required.

Performance indicators
    * Measurable increase in community support and engagement for feral cat management. The increase to be measured from a baseline study by researchers and governments on commencement of the threat abatement plan.
    * Increase in effective management for domestic cats by communities in all states and territories through confinement regulations.
    * A measured and reported reduction in stray and feral cat abundances in areas around human habitation.

Action                                                                                                                                                                                  Priority and timeframe               Output                                                                            Outcome                                                                                                   Responsibility

  4.1 Quantify the proportion of the domestic and stray cat population that transitions to the feral cat population                                                                     Medium priority, short term          An understanding of the transition between domestic, stray and feral populations  Factors affecting the transition between domestic, stray and feral populations understood and addressed.  Researchers and governments

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Information for communities to understand the links between domestic and feral animals.

  4.2 Promote to and seek engagement of the community in:                                                                                                                               High priority, short term - ongoing  Further education materials developed and utilised                                Community support for the control of feral cats.                                                          Governments and community (including community leaders such as pest control officers, vets, NRM bodies)

  - an understanding of the threat to biodiversity posed by cats and support for their management;                                                                                                                                                                                                             Community ownership and responsibility for domestic and stray cats.

  - an understanding of the transitions between domestic, stray and feral cats, and the need for responsible ownership;

  - support for the containment of domestic cats where their roaming may impact on identified conservation areas

  4.3 Promote and seek community engagement on the reduction of food and other resources to stray cats                                                                                  High priority,