Rabbits continue to be one of the largest threats to the health of the Kerang Wetlands.  By burrowing and heavily grazing on native and agricultural crops, the pest animal destroys the landscape and costs the Australian economy millions of dollars per annum.

The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is currently implementing an integrated Rabbit Control Program, in preparation for Rabbit Buster Month, which is occurring for the first time during February 2011.

Mr Trent Gibson, North Central CMA project manager for the Kerang Wetlands Enhancement project explained that the aim of Rabbit Buster Month is for landholders, local Landcare groups, Parks Victoria (PV), the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the North Central CMA to work together to undertake rabbit control works simultaneously – for maximum results.

“February is the most effective time of year to undertake rabbit control in this area, so we are encouraging everyone to hop on board and help us reduce rabbit numbers.  We know through ongoing monitoring programs that rabbits are having a devastating impact on the land surrounding the Kerang Wetlands and Avoca Marshes area, not to mention the financial cost through loss of crops” Mr Gibson said.

The North Central CMA is currently contacting landholders who live in and around Reedy, Middle and Third Lakes, Bael Bael and the Marshes to become involved in Rabbit Buster month. 

“In December we sent information to landholders in target areas encouraging them to participate in Rabbit Buster Month, and we invited all landholders in the Kerang Wetlands and Avoca Marshes project areas to attend an information dinner on 19 January 2011, at the Royal Hotel Kerang.  The evening will be an opportunity to exchange practical information about effective rabbit control, including management techniques, tips for identifying sensitive environmental and cultural heritage sites as well as appropriate equipment which can be used to control rabbits,” Mr Gibson concluded.

The Rabbit Control Program forms a component of the North Central CMA’s Enhancement of the Kerang Ramsar Wetlands Project - a joint project with the Fairley Bael Bael Landcare Group, DPI, DSE, PV, Indigenous land managers and Trust for Nature. By bringing together efforts and working with landholders the groups are aiming to reduce rabbit numbers.

To RSVP for the Rabbit Buster ‘information night’ or to find out more about the Rabbit Control Program, contact Heidi Kleinert at the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au