A NORTHERN Tasmanian Landcare leader has commended the federal government's approach to management of feral cats, saying it recognised the need for a grass roots approach.
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Upper Meander Catchment Landcare group leader Kevin Knowles attended the recent Threatened Species Summit in Melbourne.
He said he was very pleased with the launch of the threat abatement plan, aimed at feral cats.
"What was most pleasing was that the plan is a grass roots program, from the bottom up, engaging the whole community," Mr Knowles said.
"All state environment ministers there gave a commitment to implement the plan.
"In the plan, there is also support for our trapping program and they are also investigating new methods of feral cat control."
Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the Action Plan 2015-16 was the first instalment of a five-year response to the risk of species extinction.
"It's a task that relies on multiple partners, including federal, state and territory governments, non-government organisations, the private sector and communities," Mr Hunt said.
"The government is partnering with states and territories to deliver $6.6 million for threatened species projects that will contribute to the targets and action areas identified in the Threatened Species Strategy."
Mr Knowles said the plan to remove 22 million feral cats from the landscape by 2020 was achievable.
"Long term, I think it is - you have to try," he said.
The government was keen to listen to the community and involve it in reducing feral cat numbers.
"There are lots and lots of willing people, wanting to do something, wanting direction, and this gives them some direction.
"I get half a dozen calls a week, asking for advice on how to trap cats - but it is very important all these individuals and groups are organised, so we can trap and remove feral cats in a systematic fashion."
He said local authorities should be given authority to drive the program, alongside Landcare and Natural Resource Management groups.
Each council should have a person dedicated to feral cat abatement programs, working on removing animals and educating pet owners on microchipping and sterilisation.
Mr Knowles applauded the launch of the FeralCatScan app, released as part of the summit.
