Executive summary Introduction Mayor's message Our commitment Our methodology Our plan Our region Rabbit Control Plan References The bigger picture The engagement process What shaped this plan What we heard
Integrated rabbit control
We can only implement effective rabbit control if we use a variety of control methods at the optimal time.
Knowing the values and constraints of our sites and the impacts rabbits are having on these values is also essential.
In developing this plan we have sought advice from rabbit control experts and started an annual monitoring program on our key reserves. The information we've gathered so far has helped us identify the following best - practice control process.
Our integrated rabbit control program will involve the following steps:
- Assess rabbit populations the damage they are causing their warren systems (which should be mapped) and site - specific risks and constraints – environmental cultural and safety.
- Bait to reduce rabbit numbers prior to warren and harbour removal.
- Remove harbour such as woody weeds rubbish rock and soil stockpiles.
- Destroy warrens via ripping implosion or other methods – the technique chosen will vary according to site constraints such as the presence of native vegetation closeness of cultural heritage sites and underground utility assets.
- Monitor the effectiveness of the program measuring both rabbit numbers and biodiversity and modify where necessary.
- Maintain success by fumigating re - ripping spot baiting and long netting as required.
The success of this process will be reviewed annually and changes made as required.
In addition to the above we'll also support the Australian and Victorian Governments when they release new biocontrol agents.
Rabbit proof fencing will also be used to protect high value assets from rabbit grazing impacts and treated areas from re - infestation.
Rabbit priority area scoring tool
We will prioritise how each of our reserves will be treated when planning our annual rabbit control program. Each of our reserves and roadsides will be scored against a set of criteria and ranked. Factors we will assess include:
- site location
- site significance (environmental agricultural social cultural or recreational assets)
- rabbit population size and impact
- impact to communities and neighbouring properties
- rabbit control actions planned or being undertaken on neighbouring properties.
When resources allow we will treat all known rabbit priority areas annually. When there's not sufficient resources we'll treat sites in order of priority only stopping once funding runs out or the season ends.
Data collection monitoring and reporting
To assess the effectiveness of the control program and identify opportunities to improve it priority sites will be monitored annually and warren locations mapped.
The results of the program will be summarised then reported to Council and the community at the end of each year.
Community engagement and support
To support the community to better address rabbit issues we will do the following:
- produce a range of community education materials
- introduce incentive programs to assist landowners
- support Landcare and rabbit action groups to run field days and other activities and
- publish a rural landowner education toolkit as part of the Restoring Rural Landscapes Program.