Bass Coast Shire Council and the Bass Coast Landcare Network are continuing to work together on an extensive rabbit control program on Council-managed Foreshore Reserves.

Council’s Natural Resources Officer, David Martin, said the next stage of baiting is about to commence.

“Council officers have been engaged in night spotlighting activities to monitor rabbit numbers,” Mr Martin said.

“The rabbit population in some areas has grown considerably in the last couple of years.

“We are concerned about impacts on indigenous vegetation in these Conservation Reserves. We’ve also received many requests for a baiting program because the rabbits are damaging nearby areas such as golf courses, nature strips and vegetable gardens.”

“A licenced contractor will be baiting the Foreshore sites in the next couple of weeks,” confirmed Mr Martin.

“This includes areas at Ventnor, Rhyll, Newhaven, Cape Woolamai and Kilcunda Foreshores. We will be displaying appropriate signage in the areas where baiting will occur.

“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.”

It is the responsibility of private land owners to manage pest animals on their own land. However Bass Coast Landcare offers support and incentives ranging from the provision of bait to helping to install rabbit proof fences, Mr Martin said.

Council has undertaken an annual rabbit control program for the past six years which is now being supported by a ‘Caring for our Country’ Federal Government-funded project called ‘Penguins to the Prom’.

Rabbit control measures undertaken in Council Foreshores are supported by similar projects implemented by the Phillip Island Nature Park and VicRoads.

Mr Martin said: “All of these organisations and supporting community organisations, landholders and volunteers are committed to reducing rabbit numbers and improving local conservation, recreational and agricultural assets.”