A Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group has been established to drive a unified approach to the control of feral cats across the State and will be led by former Western Australian Governor, Hon. Kerry Sanderson AC CVO.
“It is important that we all work together to enhance the conservation of our native animals. I look forward to leading a truly collaborative body that brings together diverse stakeholders so we can address agreed gaps in knowledge, improve knowledge sharing, and enable the adoption of research findings to mitigate cat impacts.”
Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, Chair, WA Feral Cat Working Group
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The Group will make information on feral cat management easily available to end users, enable the translation of research findings into effective on-ground outcomes and will help guide the implementation of a new research program, led by The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute.
Membership comprises suitably skilled and experienced representatives from community, government, industry and the research community involved in feral cat management in Western Australia. For efficiency, membership will remain at less than 10 representatives, including the Chair.
WA Feral Cat Working Group inaugural members
Hon Kerry Sanderson, AC CVO, Chair, WA Feral Cat Working Group
Victoria Aitken, Director of Invasive Species, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Dr Dave Algar, Member, National Feral Cat Taskforce
Tim Allard, CEO, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Dr Fran Stanley, Executive Director, Department of Biodiversity, Science and Attractions
Professor Simon McKirdy, Chairman, WA Biosecurity Council
Elisabeth McLellan, Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
Jane O’Malley, CEO, Peel Harvey Catchment Council (on behalf NRM WA)
Dr Rachel Paltridge, Member, Indigenous Desert Alliance
Dr Bruce Webber, Program Director, The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
The Working Group will be supported by an associated Advisory Panel consisting of additional representatives on matters of specific relevance to managing feral cats in Western Australia. Any relevant/suitable persons (from the Advisory Panel or otherwise) may be invited to attend meetings at the discretion of the Chair to address particular agenda items.
Advisory Panel inaugural members
Di Evans, RSPCA Australia
Australian Veterinary Association
WALGA
Mick Davis, Western Australia Landcare Network
Nolia and Jodie Ward, Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Ranger Group
Lisa Adams, Environmental Consultants Association of WA
Joanna McKenzie, Environment Committee, Chamber of Minerals and Energy
Jenni Loveland, C/- Oyster Harbour Catchment Group
Contact
For more information, contact wafcwg@peel-harvey.org.au or visit https://peel-harvey.org.au/wa-feral-cat-working-group/