When it comes to damaging sports fields, eating threatened plant species, or digging under residents' houses, wild rabbits can be a real problem.
South East Local Land Services and Wollongong City Council are working with Woonona Football Club on a targeted feral rabbit baiting program in Ocean Park, Woonona.
The baiting program was at the request of the Club who have the licence for Ocean Park. It is taking place in gated and locked areas of the reserve. The baiting stations are clearly signposted.
The program is underway to manage the impact of the pests who can damage sporting fields, undermine roads and impact threatened plant species and ecological communities. It's timed to be carried out now, ahead of the rabbit breeding season.
While the baits are placed in areas of the reserve that are off-limits to members of the public, we're asking people to be aware the program is underway and to keep dogs and children away from the area.
"From time-to-time there are rabbit baiting programs in targeted locations across the city. The intention of these programs is to reduce the population of these pests and to also meet our obligations under the Biosecurity Act,'' Wollongong City Council Director Infrastructure and Works Joanne Page said.
"The rabbit population around Woonona has boomed in recent times. This targeted program will help protect the local native plants that are eaten by the rabbits, and also to reduce the risk that their digging and burrowing habits will damage playing fields, destabilise waterway banks and cause erosion.''
Read: NSW Environment & Heritage environment's information on feral rabbits
The pests can also burrow or live under residents' houses and eat their lawns or gardens.
Residents whose properties are adjacent to Ocean Park have been notified by Council the program is underway. It started in late July and will run the month of August.
There is on-site signage to ensure anyone within the gated and locked area of the reserve are aware of the program. The signage is in line with Council's obligations under its Pesticides Notification Plan.
The baits are poisonous to pets and dogs should kept on leads and not allowed near the baiting location. If a resident is concerned their pet has come into contact with a baiting station, they should immediately see veterinary assistance.
