The Bellarine Landcare Rabbit Sweep Project

The Rabbit Sweep project, led by the Bellarine Landcare Group (BLG) Rabbit Action Group, is a community-driven initiative aimed at controlling the invasive rabbit population on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. Recognizing the extensive environmental damage caused by rabbits to native flora and fauna, the project advocates for a comprehensive, peninsula-wide strategy.​rabbit-sweep.org

Key components of the project include:​

• Community Engagement: Encouraging local residents to participate in rabbit control efforts, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.​rabbit-sweep.org

• Research and Education: Conducting studies to understand effective control methods and disseminating this knowledge through educational activities.​rabbit-sweep.org

• Collaborative Strategy Development: Bringing together experts from across Victoria to design a unified approach to rabbit management.​rabbit-sweep.org

• Implementation of a 'Rabbit-Proof' Boundary: Exploring the feasibility of establishing a barrier to prevent rabbit re-entry, inspired by successful pest eradication models on other islands.​rabbit-sweep.org

The initiative aims to restore the ecological balance of the Bellarine Peninsula by reducing rabbit-induced degradation, thereby supporting the region's biodiversity and agricultural productivity. The project commenced local implementation in 2024–2025, with plans for broader application in the future.