Four community organisations will share in $500,000 funding to deliver targeted feral cat control projects across the Wheatbelt, Pilbara, Kimberley, and South West regions as part of the WA Government’s Feral Cat Management Grants program.
The projects will help to reduce predation on threatened native wildlife while helping build resilience at a time when Western Australia is preparing for the potential impacts of bird flu.Â
“At a time when wildlife populations face increasing pressures, including the potential impacts of bird flu, reducing the threat posed by feral cats and foxes is more important than ever,” said WA Environment Minister, Matthew Swinbourn.
“Through our nation-leading Feral Cat Management Strategy, we are bringing together science, local knowledge and strong partnerships to protect biodiversity and support species recovery.
“These grants recognise local communities are at the forefront of tackling feral cats and will continue to help build the local skills, knowledge, and partnerships needed to support effective, co-ordinated control.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have over the coming years.”
The Peel-Harvey Catchment Council Inc received the largest share of the funding, with $218,110 to expand feral cat control and fauna monitoring in and around Dryandra Woodland National Park.
In the Kimberley, the Mt Pierre Pastoral Aboriginal Corporation was awarded $179,540 to undertake fauna monitoring, local workforce development and targeted control at priority sites on Mount Pierre Pastoral Station.
Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee in the South West and Pintupi Waarrkarrinyi Tjungu Ltd in the Kimberley also received funding.
All four projects will help safeguard some of Western Australia’s most iconic native animals, including numbats, woylies, chuditch, western ringtail possums, malleefowl, Gilbert’s potoroos, western ground parrots, and quendas.
Since 2024, the program has invested $2 million in 17 community-led projects that continue to mitigate the devastating impacts of feral cats. This investment forms part of the government’s nation-leading, five-year Feral Cat Strategy.
In Western Australia alone, 36 mammal, 11 reptile, and 22 bird species are recognised as being vulnerable to predation by feral cats, highlighting the importance of sustained and coordinated management to prevent further declines in the State’s unique native fauna.
For more information, visit:Â https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-primary-industries-and-regional-development/state-natural-resource-management-program.
