JUST Cats will now receive at least $5000 from the Northern Midlands Council to help meet operating costs this financial year, with the council to consider an additional do- nation and “strongly encourage” the state government to carry the burden of cat management.
The organisation is the only cat management facility in the state’s North and had requested $10,000 each from four regional councils, including the Northern Midlands.
After agreeing to provide $2000 in its 2019-20 budget, the council voted at its September meeting last week to increase the donation subject to due diligence in response to the request.
The council also agreed to consider the further $5000 in its mid-year budget re- view. In addition, it will now “strongly encourage the state government to carry the bur- den” of funding of cat management in the state.
“With the proposed amendments to the Cat Management Act 2009 with regard to the changes to protection of private property, there is going to be an increase in the number of trapped cats which will need to be taken to a Cat Management Facility,” a report from animal control officer Tam- mi Axton noted.
The organisation rescued 40 cats in the municipality between January to June of this year and operates an adoption shelter from one site at Longford. After the RSPCA’s departure from animal shelter services in the state last year, Just Cats was chosen as the preferred Northern cat management provider and began operating a second facility out of its former Mowbray site.
At last Monday’s meeting, the council also considered a review of flower pots it had installed as a trial along Perth’s Main Street. The local district committee has asked for their replacement with a design similar to that installed in Longford.
A recent survey conducted by the council found more than 75 per cent of 170 respondents were in favour of flower pots in Perth, with 57 per cent favouring the current size. The council voted unanimously to retain the pots. Funding will be allocated in next year’s budget for new additions with an external finish to be determined.
A Campbell Town Football Club application to expand
its liquor licence in order to offer bar services to private groups hiring the new War Memorial Multi-Function Centre was also supported.
The club was “embracing” the opportunity presented by the new facility as a further fundraising opportunity, a report from the council’s community and development manager said.