COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Notice of variation to Threat Abatement Plan
The Minister for the Environment has varied the Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats (2008) by replacing it with a revised plan entitled Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats (2015) (the 2015 plan) to reduce the effect of the following key threatening process:
Predation by feral cats.
The Threat Abatement Plan was varied on 13 July 2015.
The 2015 plan is available electronically at:
www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/tap-approved.html
If you have any questions or would like to request a copy of the 2015 Plan, please contact the Australian Government Department of the Environment’s Community Information Unit:
By mail: Community Information Unit
Department of the Environment
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
By email: ciu@environment.gov.au
By telephone: 1800 803 772
Overview
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) was enacted to provide for the protection of the environment, particularly matters of national environmental significance. It was introduced to address gaps in the protection of the environment and to provide a framework for the management of activities that may have significant impacts on the environment, including threatened species and ecological communities. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia and its policy objective includes the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. In 2015, the Minister for the Environment varied the Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats (2008) with the introduction of the revised Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats (2015) to further address the impact of feral cats on native wildlife and ecosystems. This variation aimed to provide an updated strategy for the abatement of the key threatening process caused by feral cats.
Scope and Application
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to various entities and activities across the Commonwealth of Australia, with a focus on matters that have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance. In relation to the Threat Abatement Plan for predation by feral cats, the legislation targets the key threatening process of predation by feral cats, affecting all individuals and entities responsible for activities that contribute to this ecological issue. This includes individuals, businesses, and governmental bodies, and extends to all industries and conduct that may contribute to the impact of feral cats on native wildlife. The geographic reach of the Act is nationwide, applying to all of Australia, its territorial waters, and the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Act’s application is extended and refined through subordinate instruments, which provide further detail on implementation and compliance measures. While the Act seeks to address the predation by feral cats broadly, specific exclusions and exemptions may apply, particularly in cases where alternative measures are deemed sufficient to mitigate the impact of feral cats on native species.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as varied by Gazette C2015G01206, focus on updating the Threat Abatement Plan for predation by feral cats. The 2008 plan has been replaced by the revised Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats (2015) (section 1). This updated plan aims to address the detrimental effects of feral cat predation, which is recognised as a key threatening process under the Act (section 2). The new 2015 plan is readily accessible online and physical copies can be requested from the Department of the Environment (section 3).
Under the revised Act, various obligations and requirements are imposed on entities and parties involved in managing the impact of feral cat predation. For instance, the plan will necessitate the implementation of measures to reduce the population of feral cats and mitigate their impact on native species. These measures may include the adoption of specific control methods, research into effective strategies, and monitoring and reporting on the outcomes of these efforts (section 4). Additionally, the plan may require coordination among federal, state, and local governments, as well as non-governmental organisations and the community, to ensure comprehensive and effective action against feral cat predation (section 5).
The legislation also outlines the consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of the Threat Abatement Plan. Breaches of the Act, such as failure to implement required measures or provide accurate monitoring data, may result in significant civil or criminal penalties. The maximum penalties for breaches can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. Specifically, individuals and corporations found in breach of the Act could face fines up to the maximum statutory limits, which may vary depending on the nature and severity of the offence (section 6). It is important for all parties to adhere strictly to the requirements of the 2015 plan to avoid these penalties and contribute to the preservation of Australia's biodiversity.