A small number of rate payers have raised concerns about the increase of rabbits at this time of year in urban areas.

Rabbits are one of Australia’s most serious pest animals. 

They can cause significant economic losses through grazing, destruction of plant communities and can also cause soil erosion and compete with native fauna for food and habitat. 

In urban areas they can also wreck havoc by scratching up lawns and grazing garden plants.  Although rabbit numbers have been significantly reduced since the 1950’s, due to the introduction of myxoma virus and more recently calici disease, there is no quick fix solution and multiple control methods are needed.

Effective rabbit control encompasses a variety of techniques, with the removal of above ground surface harbour and the destruction of warrens essential in long term control. 

Further methods of control include rabbit proof fencing, fumigation and poisoning, with the latter NOT recommended in urban and semi-urban areas where non-target animals are at risk. 

Work done on your property can be wasted if rabbits re-colonise from other areas, so it is also good to work with neighbours.

 It should be recognised, however, that your neighbours might have a different view of the extent of the problem, or may prefer different options. 

For further information please see the series of Landcare Notes on rabbits (problem wildlife) located on the Department of Primary Industries website www.dpi.vic.gov.au or contact your local DPI office. 

Alternatively, some Landcare groups are quite active in addressing this problem and can provide valuable advice. 

Council will be looking into the effective control of vermin and weeds on it own land and asks other Government Departments to do the same on theirs.