Council’s chemical-free rabbit control operation

Published on 16 May 2025

A wild rabbit is sitting on grass under some tree branches. It's night time.

Residents are being asked to keep dogs on leashes and adhere to detour signage at local reserves as Council’s Rabbit Control Program gets underway.

Wild rabbits are an environmental pest and are prevalent throughout the Shire, causing a major threat to biodiversity and agricultural production. Council uses a non-chemical, non-poison approach by employing a specialist contractor who uses ferreting, netting and warren closure techniques.

The program runs from May to August at bushland reserves across Nillumbik. Reserves are selected based on factors including public usage, protection of biodiversity assets, rabbit numbers and prior investment in rabbit control. Council also selects reserves where it can achieve a coordinated approach with large adjoining areas owned privately or by other public land managers.

The list of reserves to be treated are:

  • Eastern Eltham Copper Butterfly Reserve, Eltham - 19 May
  • Kalbar Environmental Reserve, Eltham - 19 May
  • Browns Lane Reserve, Plenty - 20 May
  • Dry Creek Drainage Reserve (Rotin Court), Plenty - 21 May
  • Memorial Drive Reserve, East Plenty - 22 May
  • Heard Avenue Reserve, Plenty - 26 May
  • Meruka Reserve, Eltham - 26 May
  • Yirrip Reserve, Panton Hill - 27-28 May
  • The Chase Reserve, North Warrandyte - 6 June
  • Proctor Street Reserve, St Andrews - 6 June
  • Bulwidj Reserve, Smiths Gully - 10 June
  • Bunjil Reserve, Panton Hill - 11-12 June
  • The Eyrie Reserve, Eltham - 13 June
  • Gumtree Reserve, Research - 13 June
  • Pretty Hill Reserve, Kangaroo Ground - 16 June
  • Long Gully Road Reserve, Panton Hill - 18 June
  • Motschalls Reserve, Panton Hill - 18 June
  • Quarry Reserve, Eltham – 24-25 June

Works will continue through July and August at the following locations:

  • Scenic Crescent, Eltham North – 1-4 July
  • Gawa Reserve, Kangaroo Ground – 7-10 July
  • Christian Road Reserve (South), Cottles Bridge – 14-16 July
  • Arthurs Creek Road Reserve, Hurstbridge – 17 July
  • Griffith Park, Eltham – 18 July
  • Lenister Reserve, Eltham – 21-22 July
  • Fergusons Paddock, Hurstbridge – 23-25 July
  • Murrays Wetland, Eltham – 28-30 July
  • Eltham North Reserve (Laurel Hill Drive), Eltham North – 31 July-4 August
  • Nillumbik Park (Gipson Street Reserve), Diamond Creek – 5-6 August
  • Dianella Drive Reserve (Rangeview Road), Diamond Creek – 7 August
  • Wingrove Park, Eltham – 8 August
  • Bell Street Reserve (Riparian Area), Eltham – 11-12 August
  • Challenger Street Reserve, Diamond Creek – 13-14 August

It is illegal to interfere with the operations of any pest control program and fines may be issued.

For further information visit the Pest animals page or contact the Environmental Works team by emailing nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or call 9433 3111.