As part of the NSW Government’s billion-dollar commitment to protecting the state against biosecurity threats farmers and landowner in the state’s south-east are being urged to join efforts to control feral rabbit populations while conditions are favourable.
With grass drying off, it’s an ideal time for neighbours in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area to sign up to an upcoming coordinated control program led by South East Local Land Services.
Feral rabbits are a priority pest in the South East due to the widespread agricultural and environmental damage they can cause.
The use of biocontrol agents, such as calicivirus, has proven effective in combination with traditional control methods like baiting, trapping, and shooting.
South East Local Land Services will deliver a targeted release of calicivirus in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area around February to March, weather permitting.
Landholders are encouraged to register their interest online to participate and receive updates.
The more landholders who join the program, the better the results are likely to be.
Recent successes highlight the power of collaboration. In Carwoola, 22 landholders worked together to manage rabbit populations across 126 hectares, showing how community efforts can yield significant results.
For more information and resources, download the CISS Glovebox Guide to Rabbit Control guide and South East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028.
Landholders can contact their local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 at any time to develop a control plan tailored to their property.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:
“Feral rabbits are one of the most widespread and destructive pests in NSW, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems, farmland, and native wildlife.
“The NSW Government urges landholders in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area to take advantage of the free advice and support Local Land Services offers to help control feral rabbits.”
Local Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:
“Protecting against feral rabbits can’t be achieved on your own, so working with your neighbours and Local Land Services is very important.
By working together, we can make a positive difference to the widespread damage rabbits do to farms and the environment.
Local Land Services Senior Biosecurity Officer, Louise MacDonald said:
“Landholders have a general biosecurity duty to manage pests on their properties, including feral rabbits.
“For effective, long-term control, feral rabbit populations must be curbed by at least 90 per cent using a combination of control methods.
“This can’t be achieved on your own, so working with your neighbours and Local Land Services is vitally important.
“In addition to the calicivirus release program, landholders are also being asked to assist with trapping efforts and surveillance testing for calicivirus resistance to monitor effectiveness.”