Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747:reg:4:p75
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L01747
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 75/80)
Character Range: 280940–286295

and infrastructure do not support high densities of feral cats, leading to reduced impacts on native species, improved welfare outcomes for pet cats, and lower risk of cat-borne pathogen transmission.
Overall population size of feral cats living around human habitation and infrastructure is reduced (as revealed by survey or other monitoring).                                                                                                                     2034
Uptake of responsible pet cat ownership increases (as shown by rates, and overall numbers, of desexing, registration, identification and containment).                                                                                                              2029 and 2034
There is a 30% increase in the number of suburbs adjacent to areas of high conservation value (identified in Action 2.6) that are designated as '24/7 cat containment zones' or 'pet cat-prohibited zones'.                                                         2034
Existing programs to desex pet cats in First Nations communities and outstations are supported and expanded.                                                                                                                                                        2029 and 2034
ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE – The impacts of cat-borne pathogens on human health, livestock production, and native species, are better understood.
Research programs are designed and implemented to assess the abundance and predation impacts, and the disease status of feral cats and of potentially affected wildlife and people, around human habitation and infrastructure, for a set of representative sites.  2029 and 2034
MAINTAIN PUBLIC SUPPORT – The impacts of cat predation, and cat-borne pathogens, for native species, agriculture and human health are widely understood.
Community, farming, veterinary and health sectors are informed and engaged, and contributing to management outcomes.                                                                                                                                                2029 and 2034

     Actions

      Table 19 Objective 9. Actions

Objective 9. Reduce cat impacts around areas of human habitation and infrastructure  Relative priority                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Cost       Responsibility                                  Timelines
Support management
9.1                                                                                  Stakeholder-led national taskforce convened as a primary mechanism to coordinate and improve best practice management of pet cats and feral cats living around human habitation and infrastructure. The taskforce would:                                                                                                                                                           Very High  Low                                             State, territory and local governments; companion animal management organisations including rescue/(re)homing organisations; wildlife rescue organisations; veterinary sector.                                                Starting immediately
                                                                                         * Support implementation of the relevant objectives and actions of this threat abatement plan and advance best practice management with co-benefits for wildlife and cats.
                                                                                         * Be comprised of experts in companion animal management, and those with the associated policy and legislative responsibilities and mandates.
                                                                                         * Collaborate on common issues, and share progress and relevant information, with the Feral Cat Taskforce.
Reduce cat impacts
9.2                                                                                  Support local governments to improve feral cat management where it is within their legislative scope:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Very High  Medium                                          Local governments; state and territory departments with remit for local government matters; Wildlife Health Australia; AMRRIC (for remote First Nations community cat management)                                             Starting immediately
                                                                                         * Improving waste management, so feral cat populations are not supported by access to refuse and introduced rodents.
                                                                                         * Disseminating information to local residents about the One Health benefits of reducing feral cat populations for improving