The NSW Government has announced an additional $120,000 to support local councils’ on-ground control efforts to tackle feral rabbits in the Riverina, including baiting and warren ripping.
The funding, through the Government’s $10 million Good Neighbours Program, will support Coolamon, Junee and Temora shires to manage rabbits on public land, including road reserves and local cemeteries.
“Feral rabbits can have enormous impacts; they can do real damage to crops and infrastructure as we have seen in the Riverina region,” said Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.
“The NSW Government is supporting public and private land managers in the Coolamon, Junee and Temora areas to manage feral rabbits and reduce their negative agricultural and environmental impacts.
“The latest investment through the Good Neighbours Program continues the good work already being delivered on ground through Local Land Services, boosting landholders’ efforts and cementing our strategic, long-term approach to combating the destructive pest.
“Baiting programs are underway through the new, five-year Riverina Rabbit Response Alliance Management Plan, and this additional funding will support further control efforts.”
In response to rising rabbit populations, Local Land Services launched the Riverina Rabbit Response Alliance Management Plan late last year. The plan outlines a strategic, coordinated approach to feral rabbit management across the Coolamon, Junee and Temora areas over the next five years.
Control measures for rabbits include ground baiting, destruction of burrows, and biological control. Other methods include shooting, trapping, fumigation and exclusion fencing.
The plan also highlights the importance of upskilling land managers and improving collaboration between stakeholders to deliver effective, landscape-scale control.
Wild rabbits are found across most of the Riverina and are a major pest that harms farms and the environment. They damage crops and pasture, eat native plants, and can cause soil erosion. Rabbits can also damage farm infrastructure and cultural heritage sites.
To help build public land managers’ skills, including NSW Government agencies and local councils, two Government run rabbit control masterclasses, will be held in Wagga Wagga on 26-27 May and 28-29 May.
For feral rabbit management advice and support, landholders can contact their Local Land Services biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 or visit the website.
