Rabbit Overpopulation in Regional Areas
The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:33):
I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development on the topic of rabbit overpopulation in regional areas.
The Hon. J.S. LEE:
A report on 20 February 2025 by ABC News found that rabbit populations have increased tenfold from last year. Mount Barker District Council operations manager Jamie Thornton said:
We have some sites where we could see 40 to 50 rabbits sitting on a lawn or in an area where, previously last year, we might have seen five or 10… This has seen lawns, vegetation and revegetation sites getting damaged, whilst holes in the ground made by rabbits are creating a public safety hazard.
Furthermore, rabbits are severely impacting the agricultural sector, with Eastbrook Farms, one of Australia's largest producers of brussels sprouts, saying they were doing extra work out of hours to try to protect the crop from rabbits. The Managing Director of Eastbrook Farms, Scott Samwell, said it is expensive and time consuming, plus it can get in the way of implements and other activities. Mr Samwell also wants the state government to step up and do more because of the sheer numbers and because it needed to be a whole region approach.
My questions to the Minister are:
1. What strategy will the minister now introduce to safeguard regional communities and the agricultural sector from damage to property and crops caused by the latest rabbit population boom?
2. What measures are being taken by the minister to track and manage rabbit population numbers and ensure that overpopulation of the pest species can be prevented before it becomes a bigger issue for the community?
The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:35):
I thank the honourable member for her question. This matter falls under the purview of the landscape boards. I will refer it to the Minister for Environment and Water and bring back a response.
1st April 2025
The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries):
The Minister for Climate, Environment and Water has advised:
European rabbits are a declared animal in South Australia and pose a serious threat to landholders and biodiversity. While it is the legal responsibility of the landholder to control rabbits on their property under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, the various landscape boards have many resources available to assist landholders reduce populations. Landholders can seek assistance from their regional landscape board, which may include accessing control mechanisms or advice on management techniques that can be used.
The State Landscapes Strategy sets a goal for pest plant and animal management.
Individual landscape boards have plans that set priorities for pest animal control in each region. Each landscape board assists individuals/communities to manage localised impacts of rabbits. Individuals should refer to their local landscape board for resources and support programs that are available to control, track or manage rabbits. There are a range of online materials already available including videos and factsheets and a number of boards host public information sessions to provide the most up to date information on rabbit management to landholders. Landholders are encouraged to get in touch with their local stewardship officer for further local wild rabbit management advice.