They degrade the quality of our ecosystems compete with livestock for pasture reduce crop yields promote the spread of invasive weeds and sustain other vertebrate pests such as foxes and feral cats.

They also create problems at reserves degrading sites with high environmental value and damaging sport and recreational facilities.

The City of Greater Geelong's Rabbit Control Plan 2021 - 2026 sets a clear vision and details a variety of integrated strategies for reducing the impacts of rabbits on City - owned land.

The plan also outlines how the City will partner with Landcare groups to support the community to effectively manage rabbits on private land. It will be implemented with the help of funding from the City's Restoring Rural Landscapes program an exciting new initiative with a major focus on pest plant and animal control.

Thank you to the many members of our community who have offered their insights to help the development of this plan including local Landcare groups and the City's Rural and Peri - Urban Advisory Committee. Thanks also to the City staff who have brought the plan to this point.

The goals and strategies set out in this document are innovative and we believe they'll set a new bar for other local governments aiming to manage their rabbit populations.

Councillor Stephanie Asher
Mayor City of Greater Geelong