Safety first for Bridgenorth community Cat management program a success

Pest animals can wreak havoc for farmers, land managers and household backyards alike and a community program in the West Tamar has demonstrated significant success in the management of feral cats.

The West Tamar Landcare group, funded to the tune of $20,000 through the Federal Government’s Communities Environment Program, has tackled the issue of cat predation on native wildlife and cats as transmitters for diseases such as toxoplasmosis in the lower west Tamar region.

The project area is situated at the mouth of the Tamar estuary and is an important breeding and habitat area for nationally–listed fauna species, including the hooded plover, Tasmanian devil, spotted-tail quoll and eastern barred bandicoot. These species and other local wildlife such as wombats, native birds and globally migrating shorebirds are highly valued by local residents

The project was a collaborative effort between the West Tamar Council, NRM North, Tamar NRM and Cradle Coast Authority NRM. To date, the program has resulted in the protection of up to 6,000 native animals and birds from predation each year and has led to further funding from the West Tamar Council allowing the program to continue.

A dangerous intersection which has caused the local Bridgenorth community concern for some time is set for a safety upgrade.

The intersection at Bridgenorth Road and Long Plains Road will soon go under a remodel thanks to $365,000 in funding through the Federal Government’s Blackspot Program.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the funding will ensure the safety of locals and others who utilise the roads.

“The remodelling will address the see-through problem, where drivers on the side road approaches don’t realise that there’s an intersection where they’re required to give way,” Mrs Archer said.

Residents of Bridgenorth will also benefit from new and improved mobile coverage thanks to Round 5A of the Australian Government’s highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program.

“The Bridgenorth site is set to provide improved mobile coverage for the local community, allowing visitors and locals alike to stay connected, conduct business and remain in contact with family and friends,” Mrs Archer said.