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.
