25,000 conversations about rabbits at Ekka


The Darling Downs–Moreton Rabbit Board (DDMRB) is a statutory authority established under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014. It is responsible for maintaining the 555 km rabbit barrier fence and managing rabbits across eight local government areas in southern Queensland.

As part of its commitment to community education and awareness, DDMRB uses major events such as the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) to connect with the public and highlight the importance of rabbit management and biosecurity.

DDMRB at Ekka 2026
Strategic Compliance Coordinator Mat Warren (left) and Inspector Mark Ridge (right) with ABC personality, Costa Georgiadis, at Ekka 2026. Image creidt: DDMRB.

 

The event provides an invaluable opportunity to reach a broad audience, share practical information about the impacts of feral rabbits, and showcase the work being undertaken to protect Queensland’s premier agricultural regions and unique biodiversity.

DDMRB at Ekka
At Ekka 2026, Inspector Mark Ridge with Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Tony Perrett MP. Image credit: DDMRB.

 

The 2026 Ekka marked the organisation’s most successful appearance yet. Over the nine-day event, more than 25,000 people engaged with DDMRB staff at the exhibit, making it a significant milestone in the Board’s community engagement efforts. Visitors of all ages learned about rabbit control, biosecurity responsibilities, the history of the rabbit barrier fence, and the challenges posed by one of Australia’s most destructive invasive pests.

The strong level of public interest highlighted the value of face-to-face engagement and reinforced the importance of continuing conversations about biosecurity across both urban and rural communities.

Missed them this year? The DDMRB team will be back at Ekka in 2027!