Rabbit cull may be delayed

Too much winter feed on the Taylor River area may cause Council to delay its planned rabbit cull.

Two areas – a 49-hectare block from Doctors Creek through to the boundary of the lifestyle block area on Waters Avenue and a 21-hectare block from Wither Road extension through to Richardson Avenue – were to be targeted.

The pest control operation, using pindone, was due to start in July but current conditions ware unfavourable due to the amount of grass, Parks and Open Spaces Officer Kiri Whiteman said.

“We need to work out whether rabbits will take the bait or we need to postpone the operation until such time the conditions are better,” she said.

To do so, bait station bins will be placed on private and public land near the go cart track and olive grove.

“They will be unfenced and contain no bait for 10 days to let rabbits get used to them, then non-poisonous bait will be added for a further period to let our contractor see how much bait is being taken,” Ms Whiteman said. “There will be no risk to dogs, cats or humans during this time as there will be no poison used.”

Council is still going through the consent process for the operation and will only run it if all necessary approvals are in place and if the conditions are right.

The operation is to get on top of increasing numbers of rabbits on the Taylor River Reserve.

Anyone with any queries can contact the Parks and Open Spaces team at Council; Ph: 03 520 7400.