By Tate Papworth
Keilor residents are hopping mad over Brimbank Parks’ feral rabbit problem.
More than 100 residents have signed a petition circulating Keilor Village calling on the state government to address the issue.
The petition by visitors and users of Brimbank Park, Horseshoe Bend Farm and surrounding parks areas will be handed to Niddrie MP Ben Carroll, with the hopes of drawing it to the attention of the government.
Residents say there is an urgent need to address severe erosion and land degradation of the parks due to the ever-increasing rabbit population.
The petitioners are asking the government to instruct Parks Victoria to assess their management strategy for the issue and to develop a permanent and integrated plan to achieve long-term and effective, humane eradication.
Parks Victoria district manager western Melbourne Craig Bray did not say whether rabbit numbers at Brimbank Park had increased when asked.
“Introduced pest animals such as rabbits are an issue across the whole of Victoria and have been for many years,” he said.
Mr Bray said Parks Victoria regularly monitors its control methods.
“Parks Victoria has an ongoing control program for rabbits across its estate, including at Brimbank Park, and continually monitors and reviews these. The main focus of control is twofold; habitat and warren destruction and baiting,” he said.
“Rabbit control occurs ongoing throughout the year with different methods utilised in different seasons.”
However the petitioners believe current methods aren’t working and more needs to be done to preserve the area.
The petition can be found in a number of shops in Keilor Village including Senserricks Fruit and Flowers.
