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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 1 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). 2 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 3 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. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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 7 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. 8 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 9 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] 10 HUME CITY COUNCIL RABBIT ACTION PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER