Feral Cats Targeted in Great Southern, South West Regions

• Native wildlife to be protected by $500,000 worth of grants to manage feral cats
• Feral cats kill 3 million mammals per day
• Investment forms part of Cook Labor Government's nation-leading Feral Cat Management Strategy

The Cook Labor Government is delivering a major boost to three community groups who are taking the fight to feral cats in the Great Southern and South West regions.

The Gillamii Centre, Conservation Australia and Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee will share in $500,000 worth of grants under round two of the State Government's Feral Cat Management Program.

To date, the program has invested $1 million in eight projects, with a further $500,000 to be made available via a third round next year.

The investment forms part of the Government's nation-leading, five-year Feral Cat Management Strategy.

Feral cats are the most destructive single species in Australia costing the economy $300 million per year in damage and population control measures such as baiting and trapping.

It's estimated feral cats across the nation kill an estimated 3 million mammals, 1.7 million reptiles, 1 million birds, 2.8 million invertebrates and 337,000 frogs every day, with just one feral cat thought to be able to kill more than 700 small animals every year.

There are 36 mammal, 11 reptile and 22 bird species vulnerable to predation by feral cats in WA.

For more information, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-primary-industries-and-regional-development/state-natural-resource-management-program

As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"Feral cats are elusive and expert predators that hunt our native wildlife, particularly threatened species including the chuditch, hooded plover and numbat, to the brink of extinction.

"Our strategy empowers local community groups to invest in useful tools, such as thermal detection technology, to find, monitor and control feral cats over vast areas.

"The skills and knowledge gained from these projects will bolster our coordinated approach to stopping feral cats in their tracks."

As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:

"This is great news for our local endangered native wildlife like the chuditch, which is battling both habitat destruction and feral cats.

"We need to do everything we can to give our endangered wildlife the best chance to increase their numbers, and feral cat control is at the top of the list.

"Feral animal control is vital to reverse the decline of our native animal population."

As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:

"Feral cats are a significant threat to our biodiversity, killing millions of native species daily and costing Australia $300 million annually.

"I'm pleased that we have been able to support local community organisations with their feral cat management projects.

"This investment not only reflects our dedication to safeguarding our environment but also supports the invaluable work of community groups in preserving our unique wildlife for future generations."

As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne:

"Feral cats are so destructive, and I'm pleased to be part of a Government that is rolling out more funding for feral cat management.

"I thank these three community groups for their valuable efforts towards feral cat management."

Round 2 Feral Cat Management approved projects