The Dodges Ferry Cat Management Project is progressing into its next phase, with Sorell Council, Ten Lives Cat Centre, and local volunteers now implementing practical activities informed by community feedback. This initiative aims to foster responsible cat ownership while safeguarding the region’s significant native wildlife.
Launched in April 2026, the project initially sought community input through a survey, inviting residents to share their experiences with owned and stray cats in the area. Sorell Council stated that this feedback was crucial in shaping the subsequent stages of the program.
A key component of this new phase is a subsidised desexing and microchipping program, available to local cat owners facing genuine financial hardship. This program aligns with Sorell Council’s broader Cat Management Plan, approved in December 2024, which prioritises responsible ownership, education, partnerships, monitoring impacts, and desexing.
The Dodges Ferry area was specifically chosen for the project due to its high conservation value, rich native flora, and important wildlife habitats, which are under threat from roaming and feral cats, according to Ten Lives CEO Noel Hunt. Mr Hunt emphasised that keeping cats safely contained at home leads to longer, healthier lives for pets and significantly reduces risks from traffic, disease, and harm to native animals.
In August 2026, Ten Lives, in collaboration with Southern Beaches Landcare Coastcare, conducted a community cat trapping program in Dodges Ferry. This effort aimed to reduce the impact of roaming and feral cats on local wildlife, with trapped cats being taken to the Ten Lives centre for evaluation. Volunteers were sought from the community to assist with checking traps, transporting cats, and distributing flyers.
Sorell Mayor Janet Gatehouse highlighted the council’s commitment to protecting the natural environment of Dodges Ferry, particularly as the region experiences growth. Mayor Gatehouse noted that the project represents an important step in supporting healthy wildlife and ecosystems, with the Council dedicated to working closely with residents to develop practical, long-term solutions for cat management.
The Dodges Ferry project builds upon the success of a similar cat management initiative undertaken in Midway Point, which was a collaboration between Sorell Council, Ten Lives, and TassieCat. The Midway Point project received the Showcasing Innovation Award at the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) annual awards in September 2024 for its community-focused approach to cat welfare and wildlife protection.
The ongoing efforts in Dodges Ferry, involving Sorell Council, Ten Lives, Landcare Tasmania, and Southern Beaches Landcare Coastcare, underscore a collaborative approach to ensuring the well-being of both domestic cats and the unique Tasmanian wildlife. Readers can find more information on the Sorell Council website.