Boost for feral rabbit control in the Riverina

Efforts to tackle feral rabbits across the NSW Riverina region have received a significant boost, with the NSW Government committing $120,000 through the Good Neighbours Program to support targeted on‑ground control activities.

Bags of 1080 dyed carrot rabbit bait contrasted with undyed carrots. Image credit: David Croft.

The program, coordinated by Local Land Services (LLS), is supporting Coolamon, Junee and Temora Shire Councils to manage rising rabbit populations on public land, including road reserves and cemeteries.

This investment builds on the Riverina Rabbit Response Alliance Management Plan, launched late last year. The plan sets out a coordinated, five‑year approach to feral rabbit management across the three local government areas, recognising that effective control requires action at a landscape scale.

A key focus of the plan is strengthening collaboration between stakeholders and upskilling land managers to ensure effective, landscape-scale control. To support this, council and agency staff from across the NSW Riverina will be attending rabbit management masterclasses in late May. The masterclasses will focus on strengthening regional capability through shared learning, practical tools, and collaboration.

The Good Neighbours Program supports coordinated, multi‑agency pest and weed management in priority locations, helping to align efforts across public and private land and reduce the impact of pests across boundaries.

This project demonstrates strong cross‑boundary collaboration between local and state government agencies and the farming community. Riverina LLS staff are working closely with local landholders to deliver targeted, coordinated baiting programs that complement council‑led control activities, ensuring rabbits are tackled on both sides of the fence for maximum impact.

For more information on the Good Neighbours Program, visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours