The Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Committee’s final report on the Inquiry into the control of invasive animals on Crown land was tabled in Parliament on 20 June 2017.
They made thirty-three recommendations about control of invasive animals on Crown Land in Victoria.
The Victorian government’s response addresses each recommendation in its final report. The government supports the Committee’s findings that invasive animals are a significant problem in Victoria, and the recognition that the management of invasive animals is a complex issue. It also welcomes the identification of potential improvements in the way invasive animals are managed on Crown land.
The major recommendations include:
exploring amendments to the Meat Industry Act 1993 that would allow wild deer to be processed as game and general meat-processing facilities for personal consumption
establishing an inter-agency invasive species committee to provide a strategic, integrated and coordinated approach to invasive species across all land tenures
20-year management targets for invasive animals control across public and private land through the Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037
The Government also supported the recommendation to declare feral cats as established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Feral cats kill an estimated 75 million native animals every year in Australia. In Victoria, 43 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 listed species are at risk of extinction from feral cats. Its proposed that feral cats will be declared as established pests on public land only.
The declaration will not affect private land, nor place a control obligation on farmers or private landholders. Public consultation on the feral cat declaration will start early in 2018, with stakeholders and the community to ensure that animal welfare objectives are met and responsible cat ownership remains respected and a right for all Victorians.
To read the full report Click Here