Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Rabbit control

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (02:16): (750) My adjournment this early morning is to the Minister for Agriculture, and I ask the minister, in light of the recent developments regarding the rabbit plague in Botanic Ridge in my region, to take action and to inform me of any actions being taken by the department of agriculture to address the pressing issue faced by residents and landowners in the Casey area. The proliferation of rabbits has reached alarming levels, posing significant challenges to both the environment and local community. My constituents have voiced frustrations over the relentless invasion of rabbits into properties, causing damage to gardens and infrastructure and posing threats to biodiversity. Despite concerted efforts by individuals and interventions from local authorities, the situation persists unabated. The root causes of this problem stem from various factors, including habitat encroachment due to urban development, favourable environmental conditions for rabbit breeding and limitations imposed by the presence of endangered species such as the southern brown bandicoot.

While efforts have been made to mitigate the issue through techniques like fumigation, warren destruction and shooting, the effectiveness of these methods remains constrained, particularly in areas where breeding is constant. The bureaucratic maze that residents have had to navigate in seeking assistance exacerbates the frustration and sense of helplessness experienced by those who are directly impacted. Despite residents being directed from one agency to another, resolution seems elusive. Their pleas are continually falling on deaf ears, and individual landowners are finding that they are going to have to address the problem, which is becoming a real concern to them.

In light of these challenges, I urge the minister to consider the following actions: (1) facilitating greater coordination and cooperation between local councils, environmental agencies and landowners to implement a comprehensive and integrated approach to rabbit control, (2) investing in research and development of innovative and environmentally sustainable methods of managing rabbit populations, particularly in areas where endangered species coexist, (3) providing adequate resources and support to affected communities to bolster their capacity in combating the rabbit plague effectively and (4) streamlining bureaucratic processes to ensure timely and efficient responses to residents seeking assistance with pest management.

It is imperative that we address the rabbit plague in Botanic Ridge and similar areas with the urgency and attention it deserves. Failure to do so not only undermines the wellbeing of local residents and ecosystems but also perpetuates a cycle of environmental degradation and human suffering. I implore the minister to take concrete steps towards a lasting solution to this pressing issue.