Bruny Island is set to become feral cat free under a community-driven plan to make the island a safe haven for wildlife by 2020.
Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, and Liberal candidate for Franklin, Amanda-Sue Markham, today announced that Bruny Island will join Kangaroo Island, French Island, Dirk Hartog Island and Christmas Island on the Australian Government’s list of five priority islands aiming to become feral cat free by 2020.
Under a re-elected Turnbull Government, funding of $500,000 will be used to kickstart on-ground action to tackle Bruny Island’s feral cats and protect native species, including the endangered hooded plover and eastern quoll.
“Australia’s Threatened Species Strategy, which I launched last year, committed to establishing five feral cat free islands within five years.”
“Today I am pleased to announce the five islands and communities that the Australian Government will be working with on this ambitious plan,” Minister Hunt said.
“Each of these spectacular ‘island arks’ is home to nationally-threatened species, many of which are falling prey to feral cats. They are also home to communities that are passionate about their wildlife and willing to champion the cause of native species.”
“Feral cats have directly contributed to the extinction of more than 20 mammals since first arriving in Australia, and they continue to wreak havoc. They pose a threat to around a third of our threatened mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds. We need new tools, approaches and partnerships to limit their impact.”
Liberal Candidate for Franklin, Amanda-Sue Markham, said she was delighted that the Australian Government was partnering with Bruny Island and the Tasmanian Government on feral cat eradication.
“This can only enhance Bruny Island’s reputation. Creating a haven for native wildlife will add significantly to its attraction as a visitor destination,” Ms Markham said.