Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00031:body:0:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2017L00031
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 43012–48097

from action 3.7 by aiming to develop further economic assessment methods to determine the environmental benefits of rabbit control. At present, a model has been developed by Cooke et al. (2010) for the control of rabbits across south-eastern Australia with values assigned to native vegetation. Further native vegetation models need to be developed for use across all areas of Australia. Also of importance, values need to be assigned to the protection of native fauna, particularly those that are listed as threatened under the EPBC Act. Such values are likely to support management actions for native species and ecological communities, rather than only for agriculture where monetary values (and hence losses) can be more readily quantified.

For all of these actions, the outputs need to be made readily available and understandable for land managers so that they are able to translate the findings into improved control of rabbits.

Performance indicators
       * Current control tools are refined (where possible) to improve effectiveness and humaneness.
       * Additional effective and humane control tools, including biological control agents, are developed. Research papers are published on the biology of rabbit viruses, including their behaviour, evolution and impediments.
       * Research papers and general information is published on the interactions of RHDV strains, their long term evolution and the development of genetic resistance by rabbits.
       * Forecasting tools to predict the impact of changes in rabbit numbers and effectiveness of control methods in different landscapes developed and promoted.
       * Monetary values are able to be assigned to the impact of rabbits on environmental assets.
       * Pre and post monitoring is undertaken for the release of any new biocontrol agents.

Action                                                                                                                                                                             Priority and timeframe                 Outcome                                                                                                                                                                                                      Output                                                                                                        Responsibility

3.1 Develop new methods and refine current methods for rabbit control that are effective, target specific and humane.                                                              High priority, long term and ongoing   New humane and effective tools for control of rabbits are available to land managers                                                                                                                         Measurable reduction in the number of rabbits.                                                                Researchers and product manufacturers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Reduced impacts on non-target species and the environment.

3.2 Continue research to maximise the effectiveness of existing biocontrol tools and investigate new biocontrol agents or other novel control tools.                               High priority, long term  and ongoing  Biocontrol agents improved or new agents identified to ultimately delivery more effective rabbit control                                                                                                     Research papers and reports on biocontrols are published.                                                     Researchers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       More effective or new biocontrol agents developed/identified.

3.3 Develop and register new biocontrol agents and products, and other novel control tools identified.                                                                             High priority, long term  and ongoing  Measurable and continued reduction in the number and impacts of rabbits through use of biocontrol agents.                                                                                                    Additional biocontrol agents are available to registered land managers.                                       Government and product manufacturers.

3.4 Increase understanding of the seasonal patterns of