The City of Casey's pest rabbit control work is now underway in an effort to help control animal numbers which are currently booming with the arrival of warmer weather.
Residents in some parts of Casey see a significant increase in the number of pest rabbits at this time of year, most notably Botanic Ridge, Junction Village, Devon Meadows, Pearcedale and Tooradin where there are residential areas located beside rural or undeveloped land.
City of Casey Mayor, Cr Michelle Crowther said Council is undertaking rabbit control works under an Interim Rabbit Management plan and is in the process of preparing a municipal-wide Pest Animal Management Strategy, which will include an annual works program and increased advocacy to reduce pest animal numbers on Council-managed roadsides, parks and reserves.
The strategy will also guide Council's engagement with key stakeholders to increase pest management on private and other public land.
"Residents will see Council contractors working around the municipality now and over the coming months, undertaking a range of control measures to reduce the number of rabbits," Cr Crowther said.
"While Council is doing what it can to manage this issue, it will take collaboration from all affected landowners to have a real impact," she said.
"This is not an issue council can solve alone. We can only undertake pest control on Council-managed land. Coordinated action between all landholders is essential for success. Unmanaged rabbits on State-owned land undermine control efforts on nearby private and council land.
"All large landowners need to play their part. We're continuing to advocate for greater resources, and support to help tackle pest management challenges across Casey.
"Council is also seeking a clear commitment from the State Government to improve compliance and enforcement across all land managers."
Rabbits have a significant impact on local biodiversity. Their burrowing can create tripping hazards, cause soil erosion, spread weeds, and even cause damage to community infrastructure such as sporting grounds.
They also impact local agricultural businesses such as market farmers, and damage lawns and garden beds in residential areas, making it difficult to establish and maintain gardens.
Councillor Jennifer Dizon said residents often contacted Council to share their frustration about pest rabbits, however a collaborative approach between all landowners is key to tackling the problem.
"There are things that people can do on their own properties to try to protect their gardens, and I encourage residents to take action that is appropriate for their own land. For people on farms and large properties, Agriculture Victoria can also provide helpful information."
Residents can:
- Protect new garden plantings by installing plant guards
- Install rabbit-proof fencing to prevent access to sensitive parts of your property
- Engage a qualified pest animal controller if removal of a rabbit warren is required.
More advice on pest rabbit management is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au
