Surge in feral rabbit numbers raising alarm

A surge in feral rabbit populations across New South Wales is raising alarm among farmers and regional communities, with the Opposition warning the issue is being overlooked.

Recent reports have highlighted a growing problem, with favourable seasonal conditions and declining effectiveness of existing virus controls have contributed to a rapid increase in rabbit numbers.

National coverage has also warned Australia may be increasingly vulnerable to another widespread out-break.

NSW Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan said the timing of the spike was particularly notable heading into the Easter period.

“While the Easter Bunny is hopping around handing out chocolate, real rabbits are tearing up crops, stripping pasture, and making a mess of regional NSW,” Mr Moylan said last week.

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michael Kemp said farmers were already facing multiple pressures, including shortages of diesel and fertiliser, deteriorating seasonal conditions and ongoing challenges with feral animals.

“We all know the virus controls are losing effectiveness. We know the rabbits are multiplying. The only thing multiplying faster than rabbits right now is government inaction,” Mr Kemp said.

Nationals MLC Scott Barrett said the Easter holiday served as a reminder of the divide between metropolitan decision-makers and regional communities dealing with the impacts of pest species.

“The Easter Bunny can get a free pass for a weekend, but we need to keep in mind that millions of rabbits are causing untold destruction across the countryside,” Mr Barrett said.

“And it’s only set to get worse.” Mr Barrett said Easter was the perfect time for the Minns Labor government to commit to developing another long-term control method to help the state’s farmers for decades to come.

The NSW Opposition is calling for greater coordination between state and federal governments to accelerate updated virus controls, increased investment in research to address growing resistance in rabbit populations, and the development of a long-term national rabbit management strategy.

Mr Moylan said without stronger action, the problem would continue to escalate.

Mr Moylan said until Labor gets serious, the Easter Bunny’s mates will continue to multiply.