A $2.5 million Environmental Trust grant will fund an RSPCA led education program to prevent injuries and death to native wildlife caused by domestic cats.
The Keeping Cats Safe at Home program is a four-year project that will help protect our unique wildlife.
It is estimated that each roaming pet cat in Australia kills on average 115 native prey animals each year, including mammals, birds and reptiles.
RSPCA NSW will engage urban and regional councils across the state to educate communities on the importance of containing their cats safely at home.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said all pet owners need to be made aware of best practice when it comes to keeping animals and native wildlife safe.
“Local councils have an important part to play in looking after their communities, including creatures big and small, as well as reinforcing responsible pet ownership,” Mrs Hancock said.
“This new program will be tailored to each council’s needs, so they can customise the best plan to suit their community and protect our precious native wildlife.”
There are 10 councils currently involved in the program, including Blue Mountains, Byron Shire, Campbelltown, Hornsby Shire, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Tweed Shire and Kyogle, Shoalhaven, Walgett Shire, and Weddin Shire councils.
More than one million plant specimens kept for research by leading scientists will be housed at a recently opened herbarium facility at the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan.
NSW’s art and cultural institutions and independent artists will receive $1 million in financial support to stage next year’s inaugural Sydney WorldPride Festival.
