Rabbit Management in Hindmarsh Shire

Published on 16 February 2026

The late Spring rains in the Wimmera have created ideal conditions for rabbits to breed with rabbit numbers increasing dramatically across the region.  Warrens have been enlarged and rabbit kittens can be seen during the day sitting near burrows or scampering for cover.  Rabbits are spreading across farmland, areas of native vegetation, and even encroaching into urban gardens.

Rabbits are a declared pest and a serious threat to the environment, agricultural production and cultural heritage.  All landholders have a responsibility to control rabbits on their property and to prevent their spread.  Effective management requires community action, expert guidance and a multi-pronged approach.

Understanding the extent of rabbit activity and the locations of warrens is an important first step in rabbit management.  This can be done using mobile apps such as RabbitScan, a free web-based and mobile app resource for landholders, Landcare groups, community groups and professionals.  RabbitScan is a simple to use app and a great way to map rabbit sightings, diggings, warren locations, record vegetation and soil damage, and keep track of control activities.

Check out RabbitScan website here: https://feralscan.org.au/rabbitscan
Download the RabbitScan app on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

There is also a range of online resources available to landholders. The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) has an amazing track record in facilitating collective rabbit management across Victoria and can provide advice, training and mentoring programs.
Visit: https://vran.com.au/

Agriculture Victoria also has a wealth of information on their website to assist landholders develop and implement an integrated approach to rabbit control.
Visit: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals/invasive-animal-management/integrated-rabbit-control

Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to controlling rabbits on council-managed roadsides as part of our annual Roadside Weeds and Pests Program.  We are seeking input from farmers across the Shire to report rabbit activity.  If you notice rabbit warrens on roadsides, please report them to Council so that we can include these locations in our annual rabbit management program. 

Rabbit management involves all of us.  Talk to your neighbours, get in touch with your local Landcare group, download the online resources available, and seek expert advice.

For more information about this or to report rabbit activity, contact Council’s Landcare Facilitator, Jonathan Starks, at jstarks@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer