DPI Biosecurity Area Manager Sharyn Williams said increased rabbit populations were a concern in the Mallee region.

“This project follows a compliance project in the Manangatang area in November where DPI issued 30 properties with a direction notice for rabbit control,” Ms Williams said.

“The Berriwillock Landcare Group has coordinated a rabbit control project with funding from the Mallee Catchment Management Authority and DPI will use enforcement powers to support that effort,” Ms Williams said.

The group has used Landcare funding to employ a contractor to undertake rabbit control along roadsides in the area and the Buloke Shire Council will manage follow up works on roadsides to bolster the group’s efforts.

Ms Williams said DPI staff would inspect 98 properties in the Berriwillock area covering about 26,000 hectares and, where required, issue directions notices to landowners for rabbit control.

“Landowners have a legal responsibility to manage pest plants and animals on their property to ensure they don’t adversely affect agricultural production on neighbouring farms or the natural environment,” she said.

“Where landowners don’t control pests on their properties, they are liable for fines of up to $29,000.

“DPI is supporting local efforts to control rabbits in the Mallee catchment and all members of the local community need to do their bit to help control this pest. Where this doesn’t occur DPI will step in”.

“We have a clear message from the community that they want DPI to undertake action on priority species such as rabbits and bolster the community-led efforts.”

For more information about pest plant management visit the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.