Media statement

Published on 30 September 2026

Council is deeply saddened and devastated by the reports that wombats have been harmed.

We understand the distress and concern this has caused within our community, particularly for those who dedicate their time and energy to caring for and protecting wildlife. We share this distress and concern.

Native animals hold a special place in our local environment, and any suggestion that they may have been impacted is incredibly upsetting for everyone involved.

Council is especially grateful to our wildlife rescue volunteers for their vigilance, dedication and compassion, and for bringing this matter to our attention. Their tireless work plays a critical role in protecting and caring for vulnerable wildlife across our municipality.

As soon as Council was notified, we immediately contacted the contractor responsible for delivering the rabbit control program and requested a full report and investigation into the circumstances.

Urgent investigations are now underway, and we will provide further information as soon as it becomes available.

Council remains committed to protecting native wildlife and ensuring our pest animal management programs are carried out responsibly and with the highest regard for environmental outcomes.

What makes this situation particularly upsetting is that the rabbit control program is intended to protect vulnerable native species, including wombats, by reducing the significant environmental damage caused by rabbits. The outcome reported is not what was intended, and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.