Registration Form - CATIO REBATE

Do you want to give your cat outdoor access for fresh air, to bask in the sun and to observe the world while still remaining safe on your property?

GeoCatch is offering a rebate for cat owners to install a new cat enclosure for their beloved feline. Eligible cat owners need to register for the rebate below and have the enclosure installed by 30th June 2025.

The aim of the rebate is to assist cat owners with keeping cats safe and healthy on their properties while having peace of mind in knowing where their cats are at all times. Cat owners will have the confidence to allow their cats outside access while still being mindful of urban wildlife, other pets and neighbours. Of particular interest in the Geographe Bay Catchment is the critically endangered western ringtail possum; a species often found in backyards where it can come into conflict with free-access cats and dogs in urban areas. Cat enclosures are one option for responsible cat owners resulting in a win-win for all!

This project is delivered by GeoCatch, in partnership with Shire of Augusta Margaret River, City of Busselton, Capel Shire and Donneybrook-Balingup Shire with funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.

1. Rebate participants must be residents within 1 of the 4 local government areas listed below;

·         City of Busselton,

·         Capel Shire,

·         Augusta Margaret River Shire,

·         Donnybrook-Balingup Shire.

And be installing the catio within one of these local areas ( excluding cat prohibited areas).

Applicants must provide proof of residency within one of these suburbs. Either a driver’s license with your full name and address or a lease agreement, rates notice, or utility bill with your full name and address and dated within 3 months of the registration submission.

2.  The rebate is available to participants seeking to install new enclosures only. Repairs or upgrades to existing enclosures will not be covered by the rebate.

3.  The intention of the rebate is to incentivise a complete enclosure installation which serves to adequately contain your companion cat safely without escaping. Receipts and enclosure design plans need to show that you are installing a complete enclosure. Receipts for individual components of an enclosure such as a cat door or a cat enrichment apparatus will not be covered by the rebate on their own.

4.       The design should allow for your cat to freely access the enclosure from the main dwelling at its own will. Enclosures where the owner must take the cat to the enclosure will not be supported by the rebate. See more in point 9 ‘free standing enclosures’.

5.       Rebate participants have the option to install an enclosure as a do it yourself (DIY) project or to engage the installation services of a contractor. Find some helpful DIY links and a list of contractor suggestions servicing the Geographe Bay Catchment  on our website geocatch.asn.au 

6.       The rebate is available to current and soon-to-be cat owners. You may be seeking to transition your existing indoor/outdoor cat into a safe and enclosed environment. Or you may be seeking to create a space in preparation for adopting/beginning to care for a new cat.

7.       Fence rollers, angled fence brackets and other fence extension/protrusion mechanisms will not be supported by this rebate ( although they can be effective in containing your cat). These interfere with possums and wildlife as they attempt to safely traverse fence lines.

8.       Cat enclosures must utilise permeable materials such as cat net to be eligible.  Enclosures featuring impermeable materials such as polycarbonate sheets will not be supported by the rebate.

9.       Free standing enclosures are eligible for the rebate if you can demonstrate the design allows for your cat to freely access the enclosure from the main dwelling at its own will. For example, through a cat flap and tunnel. Free standing enclosures where the owner must take the cat to the enclosure will not be supported by the rebate.

10.      GeoCatch reserves the right to refuse part or all of a request for a rebate at its own discretion.

Feel free to send through your enclosure design plans to GeoCatch prior to applying for the rebate. Email nicole.lincoln@dwer.wa.gov.au or phone 0491 069 078

1. The rebate will be paid to eligible participants by way of reimbursement. There will be one payment of $200 on completion of the following;

·         competition of registration form online– meeting eligibility requirements, plus before photo of the area and rough catio design (design can be communicated in writing or by a rough sketch).

·         complete enclosure installation (by 30th June 2025 *or otherwise stated usually 6 months is given to install catio from time of commencement).

·         Completion of ‘Catio Rebate Completion Form’- online, including receipt for materials showing a minimum value of $200 or invoice from contractor who installed the catio.

The maximum rebate amount to claim is $200.00. Eligible participants will receive payment via EFT to your nominated bank account. The rebate cannot be given in the form of cash or cheques.

2. Participants need to register for the rebate by June 2025.

3. **Receipts must be dated on or after 1st May 2024 to be eligible. Unfortunately we are not offering the rebate retrospectively to existing cat enclosure owners.

5. Evidence of the complete enclosure installation must be provided to GeoCatch by 30th June 2025 to claim the rebate up to a maximum value of $200.00. A photo of the completed enclosure and a copy of the final receipt for materials/installation will be required. Upon successful completion of the online form, cat owners will receive the rebate up to a maximum value of $200.00. If the final receipt is under the value of $200.00, the reimbursed amount will be adjusted accordingly.

6. The rebate is only available to a limited number of participants, register early to avoid disappointment.

* Cat rebate not given to cat owners living within a cat prohibited zone.

1. It is important cat owners seek permission from the property owner, adjoining neighbours and local council prior to commencing installation. 

Affixing cat net to your boundary fence (without structural framework) does not require council approval in the Shire of Capel, City of Busselton, Shire of Donnybrook Balingup or Augusta Margaret River Shire as long as you have support from your neighbour. 

You could affix the cat net to your boundary fence using tensioned wire rope and eyelets or steel rods and panel clips. These fixture options do not require structural framework to hold the cat net in place. 

2. If engaging a contractor to install, please ensure they have public liability insurance to complete the works.

3. Please ensure you have researched design ideas that will suit your cat’s needs and property prior to commencing installation. There are lots of suggestions on our GeoCatch website https://www.geocatch.asn.au/building-a-catio/, on social media and online.Catio Design Guide Catio Builders & Supplies

Catio Design Guide                                        Catio Builders & Supplies

 4. GeoCatch is not responsible for any costs or liabilities arising from providing the rebate for installing the cat enclosure.