Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747:reg:4:p57
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 57/80)
Character Range: 204726–211752

framework using diseases as part of multiple control options in specific circumstances, such as island eradications.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Medium     Low                                  Researchers; NGOs; state and territory governments                                               Long-term
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Starting in the period 2024-2029
4.9                                                                                                       Immunocontraception: Continue research to develop approaches with improved efficacy over sustained periods, and feasible spreading mechanisms.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Medium     High                                 Researchers                                                                                      Long-term
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Starting in the period 2024-2029
4.10                                                                                                      Synthetic biology: Develop a detailed plan for progressing the use of gene drives to control feral cat populations, structured into stages with clear decision points and risk assessments undertaken before progressing to the next stage. The plan should address: the molecular, ecological and implementation knowledge gaps building on work related to other invasive vertebrates; the legislative, policy and regulation misalignments and gaps; and, public acceptance and ethics issues. Other proposals to develop synthetic biological approaches to cat control would need to consider these gaps.  Very High  Medium (for plan develop-ment only)  Commonwealth, state and territory governments                                                    Starting in the period 2024-2029
4.11                                                                                                      Accelerated selection: Continue research on exposing extremely and highly cat-susceptible species to managed populations of cats within havens to encourage maintenance and enhancement of predator recognition and appropriate behavioural responses. Consider additional species and sites beyond those included in research to date.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Very High  High                                 Researchers; state and territory governments; NGOs                                               Starting immediately

     8.5 Objective 5. Prevent cats from spreading further, to islands that are currently without cats

     Rationale

This objective aims to ensure that the threat from cat predation does not expand geographically (i.e. to islands that are currently cat-free). Cats have spread across all habitats on the Australian mainland, and all the larger islands. For many Australian islands, it is not known whether cats are present or absent. However, most small and many medium-sized islands are currently cat-free, and many of these protect populations of cat-susceptible terrestrial species (mainly mammals) and important seabird breeding colonies. Cats could become established on these islands if pet cats, or stowaway feral cats, are accidentally or deliberately released to these islands, requiring costly eradication programs. Note that Action 1.9 links to this objective. Note also that this objective is consistent with and complementary to existing biosecurity arrangements coordinated under the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS).

      Figure 3 Objective 5: Prevent cats from spreading further

Diagram showing the relationships between the core actions of Objective 5 (Ob5) and actions from the cross-cutting objectives (Ob1-4) that lead to achieving the outcome under Objective 5 (Ob5). Note: actions from cross-cutting objectives comprise those that directly underpin the actions and outcomes of Objective 5, and those that provide overarching support.

Performance Criteria

      Table 10 Objective 5. Performance Criteria

Objective 5. Performance criteria                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Evaluate progress
REDUCE CAT IMPACTS – Cats do not establish on any islands that currently