Assistance for farmers keen to control rabbits and lovegrass

Farmers in drought-affected areas of Eyre Peninsula are encouraged to talk with Natural Resources EP staff about additional support they can receive to bolster their farming enterprise rabbit and weed control programs.

Natural Resources Management Programs Manager Seb Drewer said Natural Resources EP (NREP) has received funding from the Australian Government’s ‘Pest Animal and Weed Management in Drought-Affected Areas’ program, through Primary Industries and Regions SA, to support activities to reduce weed incursions and reduce grazing pressure by rabbits in drought-affected areas on Eyre Peninsula.

“The pest management program includes staying on top of rabbit control while their numbers are at low levels, and preventing the further spread of African Lovegrass in areas most affected by the drought on Eastern and Western Eyre Peninsula.”

“Rabbit control over the past few years has been greatly assisted by the release of the second strain of calicivirus and has seen rabbit numbers fall to historically low levels. With numbers being so low, now is the perfect time to undertake warren destruction activities to limit the opportunity for rabbits to re-establish. To assist land mangers make the most of the current low rabbit numbers we invite Expression of Interests for grants of up to $20,000 for land managers who are wanting to complete warren destruction on their property.”

“African lovegrass is also an emerging issue on Eyre Peninsula, impacting both productive farm land and native vegetation. Trials were conducted at Waddikee, on Eastern Eyre Peninsula, by NREP last year to determine the most appropriate controls methods for African lovegrass and information from these trials will assist with the ongoing control associated with this current program. We would like to hear from landholders who have African Lovegrass on their property and are interested in undertaking a control program, in conjunction with NREP.” Seb said.

Incentives of up to $20,000 will be offered to land managers based on the input that they are prepared to contribute. Land managers are encouraged to contact their nearest Natural Resources EP Centre Natural Resources EP Centre – Ceduna (8625 3144) or Offices (Streaky Bay 8626 1108, Cleve 8628 2077) for more information, or to express their interest by emailing DEW.NREPAdmin@sa.gov.au or visit www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep