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Rabbit Control Continues

Rabbit Control Continues

An extensive rabbit control program is continuing on Council managed foreshore reserves.

By Bass Coast - 16th March 2012 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Planning and Environment Director, Hannah Duncan-Jones, said the next stage of baiting will occur over late March and early April.

"In the last couple of years we have noticed that rabbit population in some areas has considerably grown and this impacts on indigenous vegetation in conservation reserves. Council officers have been going out at night tracking them with spotlights to monitor the numbers.

"A licenced contractor will be baiting areas around the Ventnor, Rhyll, Newhaven, Cape Woolamai and Kilcunda Foreshores over the next couple of weeks," said Ms Duncan-Jones.

"We will put up signs in the areas where we are baiting, and particularly ask dog owners to look for these signs. Dog owners should follow the normal regulations and keep their dogs under control and on a lead when walking them in these areas during this baiting period."

Ms Duncan-Jones said Council received many requests to continuing the baiting program because rabbits have also been damaging areas near reserves such as golf courses, nature strips and vegetable gardens.

"It is the responsibility of private land owners to manage pest animals on their own land; however Bass Coast Landcare offers support and incentives.

These range from providing bait to helping with the installation of rabbit proof fences," said Ms Duncan-Jones.

Council has undertaken an annual rabbit control program for the past six years. Rabbit control measures in Council foreshores are supported by similar projects implemented by the Phillip Island Nature Park and VicRoads.

"The commitment by several organisations, community groups, landowners and volunteers to take action is our best defence," said Ms Duncan-Jones. "Working together we can improve local conservation, recreational and agricultural assets".

For more information contact Bass Coast Shire Council’s Natural Resources Officer, David Martin on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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