We assisted the Stawell Pony Club with rabbit control, as the extent of the warrens posed risks to riders and horses.
Working closely with the Stawell Urban Landcare group, the project was recognised as falling under Landcare grant requirements, so we could cover the costs. A two person crew spent 2.5 days controlling an area of around 10 hectares. Each entrance was cleared, a fumigation tablet placed deep down the entrance, newspaper placed in the entrance to deter rabbits digging out, and finally each burrow was backfilled with soil to ensure an air tight seal.
The site will require further monitoring as the rabbit population is likely to remain in the area due to nearby land uses, and regular control will be needed to keep numbers to a manageable population. We are continuing discussions with the public land manager to continue and expand the control program, including harbour destruction and baiting over the summer.
Timeline of works
Submit Expression of Interest
Submitted by the Pony Club via the local landcare group
Site visit
Field crew visited club to map burrow entrances and determined that the warrens were encroaching into riding areas, increasing the risk of injury to horse and rider. Club ceased all activities out of a safety concern.
Works plan developed
Results of site visit and discussions with land managers (DEECA) highlighted that mechanical ripping could not be conducted due to contaminated soil, so fumigation was selected as the appropriate intervention.
Works scheduled and delivered
Fumigants applied and warren entrances backfilled, to relevel the ground surface. A return visit was made after 5 days to retreat any burrows that had reopened.
Lachlan McIntyre
Projects Manager