Download rabbit action plan background paper

HUME CITY COUNCIL
RABBIT ACTION PLAN
BACKGROUND PAPER
Sustainable Environment Department
www.hume.vic.gov.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Introduction....................................................................................................................
1
2.
Legislation and Policy....................................................................................................
1
2.1
Legislation.......................................................................................................................................
2.1.1
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994...........................................................................
2.1.2
Local Government Act 1989...............................................................................................
2.1.3
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988..................................................................................
2.1.4
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986..........................................................................
2.1.5
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1994........................................
2.1.6
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.......................................
1
1
2
2
2
2
2.2
Strategy and Policy
2.2.1
Australian Pest Animal Strategy 2007..................................................................................
2.2.2
Invasive Plant and Animal Policy Framework 2010...............................................................
2.2.3
Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy 2010-2015...........................................................................
2.2.4
Hume Sustainable Land Management Strategy 2010-2013.................................................
2.2.5
Hume Natural Heritage Strategy 2011-2015.......................................................................
2.2.6
Hume Sustainable Land Management Policy.......................................................................
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2.3
Roles and Responsibilities..............................................................................................................
4
Significant Assets...........................................................................................................
4
3.1
3.2
3.3
Economic..........................................................................................................................................
Cultural............................................................................................................................................
Environmental.................................................................................................................................
3.3.1
Remnant Native Vegetation................................................................................................
3.3.2
Flora and Fauna..................................................................................................................
3.3.3
Threatened Species.............................................................................................................
3.3.4
Sites of Biological Significance.............................................................................................
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Pest Animal Problem......................................................................................................
6
4.1
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................................
Table 1 - Pest animal species’ extent and potential impacts on significant values................................
Table 2 - Threatened flora and fauna at high risk from rabbits and foxes and their records.................
Distribution of Pest Animals..........................................................................................................
4.2.1
Available Information..........................................................................................................
4.2.2
Pest Animal Reports............................................................................................................
6
6
7
7
7
7
5.
Summary.........................................................................................................................
8
6.
References......................................................................................................................
9
3.
4.
4.2
1.Introduction
The implementation of a Pest Animal Action Plan is a recommendation in the Sustainable Land Management Strategy
2010-2013 with the aim to reduce the impacts of pest animals on high value assets within Hume. The Strategy identifies
the need for a framework to guide Council resources and on-ground work programs for effective pest animal control on
Council owned and managed land.
Pest animal management programs currently target rabbits due to their widespread occurrence and widely acknowledged
impacts on the environmental, social and physical assets within Hume. Therefore this background paper focuses almost
exclusively on rabbits. All other pest animal species causing significant issues will be addressed by Council on an ‘as needs’
basis.
This background paper provides a foundation for developing pest animal Action Plans for Hume. A review of legislation and
policy relevant to pest animal management is provided including responsibilities for pest animal control. Council’s approach
to pest animal control is investigated followed by an analysis of significant assets and values across Hume threatened by
rabbits to provide an understanding of where control efforts may have the greatest outcomes.
2. Legislation and Policy
2.1Legislation
Legislative documents dealing with pest animal issues detail responsibilities that must be fulfilled within the powers
of the responsible land manager or landowner, while policy recommends actions that should be implemented for
pest animal control. Requirements and mechanisms under legislation must be prioritised above policy directives as
they have a stronger foundation for implementation. The primary legislation for pest animal control is the Victorian
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
2.1.1 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (State)
The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) is the principle piece of legislation directing pest
management responsibilities in Victoria. The Act is administered by the Department of Sustainability and
Environment (DSE) and managed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). The CaLP Act establishes the
basis for controlling declared pest animals on land in Victoria.
Under the Act, all landowners and land managers must implement actions to control declared pest animals
on land for which they are responsible. The CaLP Act defines the responsible authority and / or landowner for
pest control. Public and private land and water managers have clearly defined responsibilities under the CaLP
Act to manage pests on their land and to take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of pest animals to other
land.
2.1.2 Local Government Act 1989 (State)
The Local Government Act 1989 provides a mechanism for Councils to develop and enforce local by-laws
under the provisions of Part 5 of the Act. Councils have a responsibility to respond to local community needs
and have powers to set their own regulations and by-laws as long as they are not inconsistent with any Act
or regulation. An example of a local government by-law is under section 5.2 of Council’s Local Law No 1
which requires that ‘an owner or occupier of land must remove any wasp nests on becoming aware of their
existence on the land’ (HCC 2004).
HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
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2.1.3 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (State)
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) regulates the conservation of flora and fauna, and
associated management of threatening processes across Victoria. Under the FFG Act, pest animal species
can be listed as a threatening process to flora or fauna values. Several species listed as threatened under this
legislation are present within Hume (Table 2). Threatening processes under the Act potentially relevant to
Hume include:
Damage to native vegetation by wild rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)
Predation of native fauna by the cat (Felis catus) and European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Threats to native flora and fauna arising from the use of hollows and floral resources by feral honeybees
(Apis mellifera) and
Introduction of exotic live fish into Victorian river catchments.
2.1.4 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (State)
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 was implemented to prevent cruelty and encourage humane
treatment of animals. The control of rabbits, foxes and other declared established pest species under the
CaLP Act 1994 (exemption 6.10d) is generally exempt from this legislation. However, the Act regulates and
prohibits the application of certain control methods for pest animals.
2.1.5 Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1994 (State)
Together with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the CaLP Act 1994, this legislation
prohibits and regulates the application of chemicals and physical control methods for pest animal species. The
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 also requires a valid permit for the purchase
and use of restricted chemicals under the Act, such as 1080 pest animal bait products.
2.1.6 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1994 (EPBC Act) regulates potentially
threatening processes and actions on threatened flora and fauna in Australia. Approval from the Department
of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC) is required for pest animal
control activities that may have an impact on threatened species. The DSEWPC will determine whether there
is a risk to threatened species and whether the activity is a controlled action, requiring their approval and
mitigation measures.
The EPBC Act designates some pest animal species as a Key Threatening Process (KTPs) to threatened species.
Those that are relevant to Hume include:
Competition and land degradation by rabbits and unmanaged goats
Predation on native fauna by the European Red Fox and feral cats.
Five threatened fauna species and several flora species present in Hume are considered vulnerable to
competition and land degradation by rabbits including the:
Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii)
Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla)
Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana)
Basalt Peppercress (Lepidium hyssopifolium) and
Large-headed Fireweed (Senecio macrocarpus).
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HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
2.2 Policy and Strategy
2.2.1 Australian Pest Animal Strategy 2007 (Commonwealth)
This strategy details a framework for the management of vertebrate pests in Australia. The strategy provides
three main goals for pest management: commonwealth leadership and coordination for pest animal
management; prevent the establishment of new pest animals and manage the impacts of established pests.
The strategy calls for key assets to be identified, national pest management guidelines to be developed
for pest animal species of national significance, and a greater awareness of pest animal impacts among
landowners and community.
2.2.2 Invasive Plant and Animal Policy Framework 2010 (State)
This policy sets state-wide planning objectives for strategic management and coordinated action for pest
animal species. The policy sets four different approaches for targeting pest animal species according to their
stage of invasion: prevention, eradication, containment and asset-based protection. The policy identifies
several integral supporting elements to pest animal control including partnerships between stakeholders,
policy and legislation, stakeholder engagement, research and development, and monitoring, evaluation and
reporting. The Framework prioritises early intervention in pest management, representing a shift in focus
towards new and emerging pest animal species, as opposed to well established pest animal species.
2.2.3 Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy 2010-2015 (State)
The Strategy acknowledges the significant threat that pest animals pose to Victoria’s biodiversity. The Strategy
recommends early detection systems for pest species and advocates the ‘whole-of-community’ approach
proposed by the Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria (DPI 2009). The Strategy recommends collaborative planning
in developing protocols and investment initiatives in tackling pest species.
2.2.4 Hume Sustainable Land Management Strategy 2010-2013 (Local)
The Sustainable Land Management Strategy (SLMS) identifies established pest animals under the CaLP Act
1994 as the primary focus for Council. Rabbits are identified as the most serious established pest animal in
Hume, followed to a lesser extent by the European Red Fox and feral goat. The Strategy suggests that rabbits
and foxes may be an increasing threat in the future along with conflicts between landowners and native
species (principally Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) due to urban encroachment on rural land.
The Strategy identifies a shift in state funding and investment towards new and emerging pest species
(as opposed to established pest species such as rabbits and foxes). The Strategy acknowledges that the
biosecurity and risk management approach adopted by the Invasive Plant and Animal Policy Framework (DPI
2010) is a key concept to the delivery of the Strategy. Subsequently, the Strategy recommends a review of
Hume’s Pest Animal Action Plan 2005-2007 to prioritise actions annually and identify best management
practice.
2.2.5 Hume Natural Heritage Strategy 2011-2015 (Local)
The Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS) identifies rabbits as a serious contributor to native vegetation decline and
stream-bank erosion. Undertaking rabbit control on Council managed land, particularly where conservation
values are high, is prescribed in the NHS Action Plan. The Strategy recognises that foxes and feral cats may
have a detrimental impact on native fauna populations, but does not quantify or validate this. The Strategy
recommends that Council investigate this issue further, including the need for fox and feral cat control on
Council managed land in Hume.
2.2.6 Hume Sustainable Land Management Policy (2010)
The Sustainable Land Management Policy (HCC 2010) is intended to encourage and support rural landowners
to manage their land sustainably. The policy details eligibility and implementation of the Farm Rate Rebate
and the Land Rate Rebate which provide rural landowners with financial assistance in the form of an annual
rate reduction. To receive a rate rebate, landowners must agree to and implement land management actions
for weed, pest animal, native vegetation, and/or soil erosion management where applicable. R
HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
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2.3 Roles and Responsibilities
All landowners and mangers are required under the CaLP Act 1994 to take all reasonable steps to control and
prevent the spread of pest animals listed under the Act and, as far as possible, eradicate them from their land. There
are a number of public agencies and key stakeholders that manage land within Hume who play an important role in
implementing pest animal control programs or developing and implementing policy including:
VicRoads
Melbourne Water
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Department of Primary Industries
Melbourne Airport
Parks Victoria
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority
VicTrack.
3. Significant Assets
3.1Economic
Farming has made a significant contribution to Hume’s economic development but has declined over the past
30 years (HCC 2009). A large proportion of Hume is zoned as Green Wedge which is largely rural and supports
approximately 1800 rural landowners. Agriculture within the green wedge is considered to be largely a lifestyle
choice and not large-scale, economically viable business enterprises.
3.2 Cultural
Cultural heritage assets in Hume include early European buildings and bridges such as the Woodlands Historic
Homestead, indigenous Australian cultural sites such as the Sunbury Rings (a site of national heritage significance),
the Bendigo Train Line and the site of the former Sunbury Rock Festival. Several sites within Hume are listed under
the Register of the National Estate (pre-2007) or National Heritage List (post-2007).
3.3 Environmental
Environmental assets in Hume include waterways, remnants of indigenous vegetation, fauna habitat (both remnant
and created), large trees, flora and fauna species and communities, threatened flora and fauna species, and sites of
geological and geomorphological significance. Hume’s natural heritage has been identified within Hume’s Natural
Heritage Strategy 2011-2015.
Sites of geological significance include the Organ Pipes National Park and Mt Holden Reserve. Sites within Hume that
support natural values of state significance are protected as BioSites (see section 3.3.4). Large scattered old trees are
also of high significance for retaining genetic diversity and providing highly significant hollows and food resources
for fauna species.
3.3.1 Remnant Native Vegetation
Remnant native vegetation in Victoria has been classified into broad native plant communities termed
Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs).The majority of existing EVCs within Hume are classified as being
Endangered or Vulnerable within the Volcanic Plains Bioregion. The dominant EVCs prior to European
settlement were likely Plains Grassland and Plains Grassy Woodland. Both these EVCs have been substantially
reduced in extent in Hume.
The distribution of native vegetation by various mapping methods (e.g. EVC remote sensing modelling)
can be used to prioritise where pest animal control may have the greatest impact for remnant vegetation
and associated biodiversity values. Pest animal control activities could concentrate on areas where native
vegetation is of greatest extent.
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HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
Several localities across Hume support large areas of native vegetation. The largest areas of remnant
vegetation overlapping with Council reserves are associated with Mount Holden Reserve, Sunbury Landfill,
Mount Ridley Nature Reserve and Emu Bottom Wetlands and adjoining reserves. Areas of high density include:
Emu Bottom Wetlands and adjoining reserves along Jacksons Creek (Sunbury)
Sunbury Landfill, Mount Holden and surrounds (Sunbury)
Holden Flora and Fauna Reserve and associated patches along Jacksons Creek
Mount Ridley Nature Reserve and surrounding patches (Mickleham)
Woodlands Historic Park and surrounds (Greenvale and Oaklands Junction)
Fragmented patches of remnant woodlands on private land (Wildwood).
Significant areas of native vegetation are also supported within:
Numerous reserves surrounding Sunbury township
Broadmeadows Valley Park (Broadmeadows)
Merri Creek Reserves
Malcolm Creek Parklands (Craigieburn)
Greenvale Recreation Reserve (Greenvale).
3.3.2 Flora and Fauna
Indigenous species, particularly threatened ones, are an important natural value for Council to protect from
the impacts of pest animals. Pest animal species, including rabbits, foxes, cats, goats, and feral bees are
recognised under the FFG Act 1988 as threatening processes to flora and fauna, and as a key threatening
process under the EPBC Act 1999 for threatened species. Concentrating pest animal control activities in areas
supporting threatened species would have significant biodiversity benefits.
Hume has a diversity of native species with 777 flora species and 269 fauna species recorded within the
municipality. Of these species, 44 fauna species and 48 flora species area considered threatened by extinction
under the EPBC Act 1999 FFG Act 1988. As there are a large number of records for threatened flora (253)
and fauna (335) species within Hume, this information is a valuable means to initially prioritise areas across
Hume and land managed by Council.
3.3.3 Threatened Species
General areas supporting the highest densities of threatened species records include:
Merri Creek (Camblefield and Kalkallo)
Maygar Grasslands (Dallas)
Woodlands Historic Park, Melbourne Airport, and surrounds (Greenvale)
Emu Creek (and adjacent Martin Dillon Reserve)
Holden Flora and Fauna Reserve and Jacksons Creek (Sunbury and Jacksons Hill)
Evans Street Grassland (Sunbury).
Other areas of lower threatened species densities include land in the vicinity of Mount Ridley Grassland
Nature Reserve (Arcadia Park and Eucalyptus Court Reserves), Bulla Gold Tree Reserve, Rushwood Drive
Reserve (adjoining Merri Creek), Broadmeadows Valley Park and north of Sunbury Township (associated with
Albert Road Nature Reserve and Kismet Creek Reserve).
3.3.4 Sites of Biological Significance (BioSites)
A BioSite is a site containing biological assets with particular attributes, such as the presence of rare or
threatened flora, fauna, or habitat required for their survival and threatened vegetation. BioSites are classified
as of International, National, State, Regional, or Local Significance. BioSites can be considered as sites
potentially sensitive to pest animal species.
Of the 55 sites, Council manages 13. These include:
the Nationally Significant Evans Street
Grassland
the State Significant Mt Holden Reserve
Albert Rd Nature Reserve
HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
Broadmeadows Valley Park (Themeda and
Stylidium sites)
Mt Ridley Nature Reserve and
Kalkallo Common Grassland.
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4. The Pest Animal Problem
4.1 Potential Impacts
In Hume, the potential impacts of pest animals vary by species (Table 1). Rabbits are a threat to a number of
environmental, cultural, social and physical assets, while foxes and cats are primarily a threat to environmental assets,
in particular, native fauna. Both rabbits and foxes are widespread across Hume. Goats, European Brown Hares, and
cats (both domestic and feral) are also significant threats but are more restricted in extent or threaten fewer values.
The context in which each pest animal species’ impacts are likely to be greatest will vary across the landscape. For
example, cats and foxes will have the greatest impact on biodiversity values where threatened ground-dwelling
fauna are present; while rabbits will have a greater impact where higher quality remnant vegetation or agricultural
values are present.
Interactions between landscape character and the biology of pest animals can vary the degree to which each pest
animal species has an impact on values. For example, foxes may be a greater risk to native fauna in more urbanised
landscapes where their densities are shown to be higher due to more stable food resources (Berghout 2000); goats
may be a greater threat to remnant vegetation in escarpment areas due to a higher susceptibility to erosion; while
rabbit impacts may be greatest in peri-urban environments where food and shelter are abundant and landowner
control efforts are low.
Table 1. Pest animal species’ extent and potential impacts on significant values
Animal
Extent
Threatened Values
Priority
Context Priority
Rabbits
Widespread
remnant vegetation
native fauna
infrastructure
agricultural and cultural
heritage values
1
where remnant vegetation, threatened
ground-dwelling fauna species, cultural
heritage buildings, or high value
agricultural assets are present
potentially a higher threat in periurban landscapes and to herbaceous
threatened flora species
Foxes
Widespread
wide range of native
fauna particularly
ground-dwelling fauna
such as species of
bandicoots, dunnarts,
and lizards
2
where threatened ground-dwelling fauna
(including frogs) are present
greater threat in urbanised landscapes
due to the availability of cover, food and
den sites
Goats
Restricted and
low density
remnant vegetation
fauna habitat
3
escarpments supporting remnant
vegetation
European
Brown Hare
Widespread but
low density
remnant vegetation
fauna habitat
3
remnant vegetation
Cats
Widespread but
higher density in
urban and periurban areas
native fauna,
particularly smaller
ground-dwelling
animals but also to
native birds
3
where threatened ground-dwelling native
fauna (including frogs) are present
greater threat in more urbanised
landscapes due to higher densities
Although all flora species are potentially threatened by the impacts of rabbits and most ground-dwelling vertebrate
fauna threatened by fox predation, some species are more at risk than others. Flora and fauna species threatened
by extinction generally have small isolated populations and are therefore more sensitive to pest animal impacts.
Furthermore, rabbits are likely to have a greater impact on small herbaceous flora species and foxes on small grounddwelling mammals.
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HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
Flora and fauna species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act 1999 or FFG Act 1988 and recorded at least twice
within Hume over the last 30 years are shown in Table 2. Records suggest that the Growling Grass Frog and Eastern
Barred Bandicoot may be most likely to have resident populations within Hume, both of which are highly susceptible
to fox predation. The Golden Sun Moth, Matted Flax-lily and Spiny Rice-flower and several other threatened
flora species are likely to be impacted most by rabbit activities. Only the Eastern Barred Bandicoot is known to be
threatened by both pest animal species.
Table 2. Threatened flora and fauna at high risk from rabbits and foxes and their records within Hume
Threatened Species
Common Name
Rabbit Potential
Impacts
Growling Grass Frog
Golden Sun Moth
Matted Flax-lily
Plump Swamp Wallaby-grass
Small Milkwort
Curly Sedge

122
16
15






13
10

Brown Toadlet
Tough Scurf-pea
Number of
Records*


Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Spiny Rice-flower
Fox Potential
Impacts
5
4
3
2
2
* The total number of independent records made for each species within the last 30 years in Hume. Flora records were obtained
from the Department of Sustainability and Environments Victorian Flora Site Database 2011 database and fauna records were
from the Victorian Fauna Database 2009 version.
4.2 Distribution of Pest Animals
4.2.1 Available Information
A comprehensive survey of pest animals across Hume and on Council managed land has not been
undertaken. Current distribution data (managed by DSE) is sparse for rabbits and foxes and provides a poor
estimation of the pest animal distribution and abundance across the municipality.
Overall, detailed information is limited. Spotlight counts for rabbits have been undertaken twice per year on
selected Council managed land. The species is present in all land surveyed, with an increase in population
density reported from 2005 to 2009 (HCC 2009). Qualitative and subjective data provided by landowners on
pest animals on their properties represents the most comprehensive, although limited, Hume-wide data on
pest numbers (Section 4.2.2).
The impact of pest animal species on values and assets has not been estimated or quantified although they
are observed routinely by Council Officers and their impacts are well established in the scientific literature.
4.2.2 Pest Animal Reports
Each year, landowner applicants for the rate rebate schemes are asked to provide information on pest
animal species on their properties and an estimation of their abundance. Pest animal species reported by
landowners includes rabbits, foxes, cats, rats, goats, hare, kangaroos, mice, millipedes, and pigeons. Out of
1095 applicants in 2010/2011, 670 landowners reported pest animals present on their land. Of these, 622
(93%) reported rabbits and 187 (28%) foxes. All other pest animal species were each reported by only 1-13
landowners.
Areas with high numbers of landowners reporting rabbit or fox issues on their land may also be areas in
which landowners may be willing to undertake coordinated and cooperative control programs. Although
this information must be interpreted with some caution, it does indicate general patterns in landowner
perceptions of pest animal abundance and potentially, their level of concern and engagement in pest animal
control.
HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
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Five general areas are notable for landowners reporting medium to high rabbit numbers on their properties:
Racecourse Road (Sunbury)
Wildwood Road (Bulla)
East and north-east of Woodlands Historic Park (Mickleham Road, Greenvale)
Intersection of Wildwood Road and Konagaderra Road (Wildwood)
Near Mount Ridley Grasslands Nature Reserve (Mount Ridley Road, Craigieburn).
Other areas where a high density of landowners have reported rabbits as an issue through Council’s MERIT
system from 2000 to 2010 include along Mickleham Road (Greenvale), surrounding Mount Ridley Grasslands
Nature Reserve (Craigieburn to Kalkallo), south and east of Sunbury township, and land adjoining MelbourneLancefield Road. Council reserves intersecting with these areas include Emu Bottom Wetlands Reserve, Kismet
Creek Reserve, Greenvale Recreation Reserve, Mount Ridley Grasslands Nature Reserve and Bulla Recreation
and Gold Tree Reserve.
Three general areas with a large number of landowners reporting medium to high numbers of foxes on their
properties are:
East of Woodlands Historic Park and north along Mickleham Road (Greenvale to Yuroke)
East and north of Bulla Gold Tree Reserve along Wildwood Road (Bulla)
Konagaderra Road (Wildwood/Clarkefield/Oaklands Junction).
Other localities where landowners reported higher fox abundances through Council’s MERIT system from
2000 to 2010 include along Riddell Road (Sunbury), Lancefield Road (Sunbury), Wildwood Road (Wildwood),
the Hume Highway (Craigieburn), Konagaderra Road (Yuroke), and several areas around Sunbury. Council
reserves intersecting with these areas include Greenvale Recreation Reserve, Bulla Recreation and Gold Tree
Reserve, Martin Dillon Reserve, and Konagaderra Reserve.
5.Summary
Rabbits are considered the principle pest animal species for control based on their relative abundance (as estimated from
rate rebate application forms), widespread occurrence and their significant impacts on environmental, social and physical
assets within Hume (Tables 1 and 2). Fox control should also be prioritised for similar reasons but targeted towards areas
where the species is likely to be having a high impact on environmental assets.
Other pest animal species listed in Table 1 should be assessed for control on a case-by-case basis, where they are shown to
be having a significant impact on environmental assets or public amenities. Control should be prioritised according to the
context in which each pest animal species is likely to have the greatest impact (Table 1 Context Priority). Prioritisation of
Council resources in pest animal control should consider sites supporting threatened species such as Growling Grass Frog,
Golden Sun Moth, Matted Flax-lily, Eastern Barred Bandicoot and Spiny Rice-flower.
The distribution of pest animals across Hume is an important consideration in control efforts in combination with the significant assets under threat. Areas with high biodiversity values and a high concentration of landowners reporting issues with
pest animals are areas where a coordinated control program for pest animals would be most likely to facilitate the greatest
effect.. However, areas with low levels of pest animals but with very high environmental, social, economic or cultural heritage assets must also be considered for control to keep pest animal numbers low. These areas may require a lower level of
Council resources to effectively maintain or enhance those values.
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HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
6.References
Berghout, M. (2000) The Ecology of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales,
PhD Thesis, Applied Ecology Research Group Division of Science and Design, University of Canberra.
Coman, B.J., Robinson, J. and Beaumont, C. (1991) Home Range, Dispersal and Density of Red Foxes (Vulpe vulpes L.)
in Central Victoria, Wildlife Research. 18: 215-223.
Department of Primary Industries (2009) Biosecurity Strategy for Victoria, Department of Primary Industries.
Department of Primary Industries (2010) Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Framework, Department of Primary Industries,
Melbourne, Victoria.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (2005a) Flora Information System, Biodiversity and Natural Resources,
Viridans Biological Databases.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (2005b) Fauna Information System - Atlas of Victorian Wildlife,
Biodiversity and Natural Resources, Viridans Biological Databases.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (2005c) Biosites Maps and Reports: Port Phillip and Westernport Region,
Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (2005d) Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2005,
Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (2010) Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy 2010-2015 Draft.
State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, Victoria.
Hume City Council (2002) Hume Vegetation Study, Melbourne, Hume City Council.
Hume City Council (2004) Pest Animal Action Plan 2005 – 2007, Hume City Council, Melbourne.
Hume City Council (2006) Natural Heritage Strategy, Melbourne, Hume City Council.
Hume City Council (2009) Inquiry into Agribusiness in Outer Suburban Melbourne, Hume City Council Submission:
January 2009, Hume City Council, Melbourne, Victoria.
Hume City Council (2010) Hume City Council Sustainable Land Management Strategy 2010-2013,
Hume City Council, Melbourne, Victoria.
Hume City Council (2011) Natural Heritage Strategy 2011-2015, Melbourne, Hume City Council.
Hume City Council (2003) Hume Sustainable Land Management and Integrated Weed Control Strategy 2003-2006,
Melbourne, Hume City Council.
Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (2007) Australian Pest Animal Strategy – A national strategy for the
management of vertebrate pest animals in Australia, Commonwealth of Australia.
Thomson, P. C., Marlow, N. J., Rose, K. and Kok, N. E. (2000) The effectiveness of a large-scale baiting campaign and an
evaluation of a buffer zone strategy for fox control. Wildlife Research 27, 465–472.
HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER
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HUME CITY COUNCIL
RABBIT ACTION PLAN
BACKGROUND PAPER
Sustainable Environment Department
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact the Sustainable Environment Department at:
Hume City Council
1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows 3047
PO Box 119 Dallas 3047
Phone: 9205 2200 Fax: 9309 1119
Website: www.hume.vic.gov.au
Email: [email protected]
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HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER