Extract - RMIT research

Research conclusions

(See recommendations from Rabbit Sweep based on RMIT conclusions)

Ultimately, the results from the survey and interviews demonstrated the perceptions and observations of landowners within the Bellarine Peninsula and their experiences with actively undergoing issues concerning the invasive rabbit populations. This report found that whilst the damage produced by rabbits is obvious and impactful to most landowners, there are numerous barriers to landowners engaging in effective control methods that produce meaningful results. These include limitations relating to demographics, a lack of guidance and support from other landowners, environmental organisations and councils as well as concerns for the wellbeing of the environmental. As such, through these findings, we have recommend the following as the best methods to further engage landowners in action against the European rabbit populations on the Bellarine Peninsula.

1. Bellarine Landcare Group to increase communication and awareness to landowners across the Bellarine Peninsula on their efforts on rabbit control. This should involve promoting their online presence such as their rabbit action website and through physical methods including letter drops and increasing local meetings.
2. Establish local landowner groups to promote collaborative efforts between landowners on area-specific rabbit issues. These groups should be assisted by Bellarine Landcare to identify what to do to create and maintain a large and effective environmental impact.
3. Establish a monitoring program to local areas to monitor rabbit populations and the impact of control methods. This is also to ensure rabbit populations remain reduced and not out of control.
4. Increase volunteering programs to further assist landowners in engaging with rabbit action, particularly those with age-related restrictions. This should include both verbal assistance on what to do and physical assistance like the filling in of warrens or construction of rabbit-proof fences on these properties.
5. Increase both new research and promote current research already conducted regarding the effects of baiting. This is to include the potential impacts of secondary poisoning. This research available could assist in easing the concerns of landowners apprehensive of using baiting.
6. Establish education programs in local areas. This should focus both on the issues of rabbits specific to the local area, methods on how to control rabbit populations and increase awareness of the ecological and financial benefits when rabbit populations are controlled.
7. Increase the assistance provided by local councils. This should incorporate financial incentives to reduce the barriers of rabbit control, such as subsidising baited carrots, trapping gear and rabbit- proof fencing. There also needs to be a change in perception and consistency from local council to understand that the invasive rabbit population is a collective issue and not solely the responsibility of individual landowners.

The results collected and the recommendations established will be essential for many groups within the Bellarine Peninsula. This includes environmental action groups including Bellarine Landcare Group as well as the local councils including Surf Coast Shire Council, Greater Geelong City Council and the Borough of Queenscliff Council. The results will also be beneficial to landowners affected by rabbits. It will validate that their concerns and struggles are being acknowledged and considered that solutions to the issue are being investigated.

Rabbit Sweep recommendations