Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017C00220:reg:2:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017C00220
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2 (pt 12/20)
Character Range: 61647–64636

a local, regional and national level
The 2008 threat abatement plan contained an action to identify priority areas based on criteria linked to threatened species and ecological communities and a national prioritisation framework was developed (Dickman et al. 2010). The outcomes from this action are still relevant. Action 2.3 takes this concept a step further to make sure that the scale of prioritisation is captured. For national threatened species recovery it is important to consider populations of the species across the entire range and prioritise threat abatement actions for important native populations at threat from predation by feral cats. These particular sites may or may not be identified at a regional or local level due to other factors, or vice versa. An understanding of where it is critical to undertake feral cat management for threatened species will assist in more holistic cat management across Australia and provide decision-making guidance for national funding programs. Decision making should consider the costs and benefits for the different actions that may be required for each area.

Action 2.4 Governments agree to consistent legislation that identifies feral cats as a pest, has requirements for control, and identifies control techniques that may be used
Feral cats are not declared as a pest in legislation in all states and territories, and requirements for control of feral cats are variable across the country. While recognising the means of achieving pest status and control requirements does not need to be uniform, it is desirable that land managers are able to legally undertake or have legislative support to undertake effective control programs as needed. Action 2.4 seeks to gain support from all state and territory governments to consider their legislation and, if necessary, amend to provide a mechanism for effective and efficient control of feral cats. An element of this action will be for governments to ensure that administrative requirements are practical and efficient so as to minimise any administrative burdens on land managers undertaking feral cat control programs.

Performance indicators
    * Training material and information widely available, including via the internet, for land managers on effective management and monitoring techniques for cats. Training programs delivered in all states and territories by government agencies, non-government organisations, natural resource management groups, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre or Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, and other appropriate organisations.
    * Cat management programs for biodiversity are in place in prioritised areas.
    * The abundance and/or impacts of feral cats are reduced in priority areas. To be measured through the recovery of species in the area and a reduction in the abundance of feral cats (specific targets will be dependent on the particular species and monitoring ability but should be identified in the relevant program