Tackling cat management on the South Arm Peninsula: A collaborative approach

Published September 03, 2024

26 August 2024 | In response to growing community concerns about cat management on the South Arm Peninsula, Landcare Tasmania, with support from the State Government, recently hosted a crucial South Arm Cat Management Stakeholder Meeting at Lauderdale Hall.

This meeting was a significant step toward addressing the challenges posed by feral and domestic cats in the region.

Image: Participants mapping out priority areas based on natural values, existing crown land, local government conservation areas, and clusters of landowners wishing to undertake cat management (Landcare Tasmania 2024).

The South Arm Peninsula, known for its rich natural values, faces serious threats from the presence of cats. These threats include detrimental impacts on local wildlife, primary production, and even human health through the spread of cat-borne diseases. Additionally, the peninsula's geography provides a unique advantage for establishing a manageable cat exclusion zone. Recognising these issues and opportunities, the meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss collaborative solutions and design a proposed South Arm Peninsula Cat Management Project.

Who was involved?

The meeting saw the participation of a broad array of stakeholders, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table:

  • Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Tasmania (Invasive Species Branch)
  • Clarence City Council (CCC)
  • Registered cat management facility operator Ten Lives
  • Birchgrove Feline Assist
  • Landcare and Wildcare groups
  • Community members
  • South Arm Peninsula Resident Association Inc
  • Parks and Wildlife Services
  • Birdlife Tasmania
  • NRM South
  • Centre for Invasive Species
  • Invasive Species Council

Key discussion points

One of the major themes of the meeting was the role of legislation in managing cat populations. Both state and local governments are responsible for enforcing relevant laws, but community education and engagement are equally crucial for success. Among the legislative tools discussed was the potential declaration of Cat Management Areas and Cat Prohibited Areas by local government.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of responsible cat ownership and community involvement. Two key guiding documents proposed for this process were the Tasmanian Cat Management Plan 2017-2022 and the Southern Tasmania Regional Cat Management Strategy (2021-2026). 

Image: A great turn out of stakeholders for the discussion on managing cats on the South Arm Peninsula (Landcare Tasmania 2024).

 

Looking forward

Sourcing funding, forming partnerships and securing commitment to the project's development and management are expected to be key challenges of the proposed project. However, the South Arm Cat Management Stakeholder Meeting marked an important milestone in addressing the challenges of cat management in the area and outlining steps forward in working together to achieve solutions that benefit the community and biodiversity as a whole. Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to safeguarding both the environment and community health, there is hope for reducing the impacts of cats on wildlife and biodiversity on the South Arm Peninsula. 

If you are interested in forming a partnership or collaborating on the proposed project, please get in touch with Landcare Tasmania's Project Manager Anna Minchin at [email protected] (03) 6234 7117

 

This workshop is funded by the State Government's Landcare Action Grants Round 7 and is part of Landcare Tasmania's Landscape Restoration, Community Outreach and Advocacy programs.

Thanks to the support of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions for their valuable contributions to our on-going Feral Cat 'Impact to Action' advocacy program.