Council works with Local Land Services to address rabbit problem

Council has completed a program to reduce the number of rabbits at Tahmoor Sportsground in collaboration with Greater Sydney Local Land Services, making the sporting fields much safer to use.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “Rabbits have been an ongoing problem at the Tahmoor grounds, digging holes in the fields and creating a safety risk for users and their pets, as well as competing with native wildlife for food.”

“In recent years the holes have been filled in by members of the Reserve Management Committee and Council staff, particularly before scheduled sporting events.”

With the impact of a previous baiting program decreasing over time, Council met with Greater Sydney Local Land Services biosecurity staff earlier this year to work out the safest and most effective way to deal with the fast-growing rabbit population at the site.

Direct fumigation was chosen as the most effective method to treat the rabbits in their burrows and was supported by neighbouring residents. This method helped to minimise the risks to users, domestic animals and native animals.

Mayor Deeth said, “Whilst fumigation will not control all rabbits and further treatments will possibly be required, it was the most unobtrusive technique available for the site.”

The area will be surveyed in mid 2020 to monitor the program’s effectiveness. The survey outcome will determine if further fumigations or the use of other control methods are needed.

Greater Sydney Local Land Services partners with councils and the local community to reduce the impact of rabbits through coordinated campaigns twice a year.

For information on rabbit control campaigns or to report rabbits contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.