The Invasive Species Council has expressed disappointment following the Queensland Government’s unexpected withdrawal from what was shaping up to be a unanimous endorsement of an ambitious national plan to reduce the impact of feral and domestic cats on native wildlife.
The national threat abatement plan for feral cats was signed off by all other state, territory and Commonwealth governments at an environment ministers’ meeting on Tuesday 17 December.
“This was an opportunity for national unity on one of the biggest drivers of extinction in Australia – an issue which farmers and rural communities are deeply passionate about,” Invasive Species Council advocacy director Jack Gough said.
“We are disappointed that Queensland has withdrawn their support for this critically important plan to save wildlife. It’s a concerning signal and we are urgently seeking further information about why.
“The Crisafulli government has flagged that action on invasive species is a priority and we hope that they reconsider this decision.
“We know the most effective invasive species control requires national coordination and Queensland’s decision not to sign up to this plan undermines this effort.
“In 2023 Federal Minister for Environment Tanya Plibesek declared a ‘war on cats’ and it’s pleasing to see she is following through on that promise with this plan.
“The environmental toll from feral and roaming pet cats cannot be overstated. They are responsible for the deaths of an estimated two billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs every year and have driven over 25 of our native species to extinction.
“Without serious action to control feral cats in Australia we could lose iconic native wildlife like bilbies, numbats, and night parrots forever.
“As a next step, we need all parties to commit to new money to shape action on the ground to address the feral cat mega threat to native animals.
“In the lead up to the federal election, we are calling on all parties to commit the $60 million of new funding that the plan says is needed over the next four years.
“We’re looking forward to reviewing the text of the final plan once it is released publicly. The draft was ambitious and proactive and we hope that is the case in the final version.
“Our wildlife can’t afford for governments to fail when it comes to action on feral cats.”
