Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00031:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00031
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 62271–65952

near future. In general, most rabbit control programs aim for long-term suppression of rabbit populations, and a reduction in damage to the environment and agricultural assets in the most cost-efficient manner.

This TAP provides a framework for undertaking targeted priority actions. Budgetary and other constraints may affect the achievement of the objectives of this plan, and as knowledge changes, proposed actions may be modified over the life of the plan. The Commonwealth is committed, via the EPBC Act, to implement the threat abatement plan to the extent to which it applies in Commonwealth areas. However, it should be noted that the Australian Government is unable to provide funding to cover all actions in this threat abatement plan across all of Australia and requires financial and implementation support from stakeholders. Partnerships amongst and between governments, non-government organisations, industry, community groups and individuals will be key to successfully delivering significant reductions in the threats posed by rabbits.
Investment in many of the TAP actions will be determined by the level of resources that stakeholders commit to management of the problem.
Given the extent of rabbits across Australia, an indicative estimate of the costs involved to undertake control actions outlined in this plan are provided below. It is important to note that the cost of controlling rabbits will continue to rise if rabbit populations are not continually managed and are allowed to increase due to favourable environment conditions and increasing resistance to RHD. The costs provided will also be highly variable depending on the location (including habitat and soil type), and availability of skilled contractors or persons able to assist with control activities. An indicative site size has been chosen as 300 hectares; however, site sizes may range from less than a hectare (e.g. a small cemetery with a single warren) to thousands of hectares on a rangeland station. Anyone looking to implement an action is strongly recommended to undertake their own budget exercise for their particular circumstances and outcomes sought.
Action                                                                      Costs anticipated or known at the time of TAP development for action items                                                                                                                                                       Estimated total cost across TAP
Poison baiting                                                              $52 per hectare using 1080 oat baits (Cooke 2012a)                                                                                                                                                                               Annual cost of $7,800,000 at 500 sites of 300 hectares each across Australia.
Ground shooting                                                             $5000–10,000 per week for ground shooting at a single site using professional shooters. Use of appropriately trained and assessed volunteer shooters (e.g. SSAA National) would cost considerably less than this.                Annual cost of $400,000 – $800,000 for 8 weeks of control at 10 sites across Australia. Less if volunteers are utilised.

Trapping                                                                    $3000-4000 per week for trapping at a single site.                                                                                                                                                                               Annual cost of $240,000 - $320,000 for 8 weeks over 10 sites across Australia.

Fumigation of