Rabbit Control in Your Community
Rabbit control and management has been made easier in Victoria, with the announcement of a 2017 grants program from the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN).
The VRAN Community Action Grants will arm communities with integrated rabbit management
programs throughout Spring and Summer, tying in with the release of the new strain of calicivirus, RHDV1-K5 earlier this year.
VRAN chair Gerald Leach said: “The 2017 grants program will enable communities to enhance the impact of
the virus by adding other control measures to the mix.
“Many community groups will be planning tree planting and other landscape restoration works.
“I strongly recommend addressing your rabbit issue first, so your restoration project is successful in the long-term," he said.
Local community groups can apply for grants of between $2,000 and $5,000 as part of the 2017 Community Action Grant round, with $41,000 allocated to support important community activities.
“Community support to manage rabbits is high, with more than 150 members throughout Victoria already volunteering to participate in the release of the virus,” Mr Leach said.
Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Manager Established Invasive Animals John Matthews said he was pleased to see VRAN investing in these community grants to complement the release of the virus.
"The VRAN Community Action Grants provide an additional opportunity for communities to work together and plan rabbit management programs,” Mr Matthews said.
He said communities could not rely on the virus alone to reduce rabbits and that best practice rabbit management principles were also required.
The Community Action Grants for 2017 is an initiative of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) and is funded a project by the Australian Government Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
More information on the Community Action Grants see www.rabbitaction.com, applications close August 23.