Statement about rabbit control works

Published on 08 October 2026

Nillumbik Shire Council has suspended all rabbit management programs while the Victorian Department of Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) independently assesses information provided by Council and contractors in relation to rabbit control works carried out at Fergusons Paddock in August.

Council recognises this matter has created considerable distress and is deeply sorry for the distress this has caused members of our community, and in particular the dedicated wildlife carers and volunteers who give their time to help preserve our special environment.

We recognise that wildlife carers have raised these concerns because of their deep commitment to protecting native wildlife and we appreciate the information they have provided. When the matter was brought to our attention, we advised the contractor and they have since been reviewing and verifying the works that took place.

This week, activity of a number of wombats has been detected through the affected area. Whilst we are relieved to have this confirmed we acknowledge that some mange affected wombats are yet to be sighted, we are committed to ensuring our practices protect all wildlife.

Council is working closely with Wildlife Rescue and Mange Management to respond to the concerns that have been raised and to identify collaborative approaches to addressing them and further strengthening our wildlife protection measures.

Council is now working with DEECA to support their independent assessment to gather information to understand the circumstances of the matter and determine whether any further review is required.

Nillumbik Shire councillors and staff reflect our community’s passion for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate action, sustainable land management and community partnership. We value the important work of wildlife carers and volunteers as partners in this objective, and we are committed to making sure future pest animal management programs are carried out responsibly and with appropriate protection for native wildlife. Council will cooperate fully with the DEECA process and adopt recommendations that will help reduce the risk of any future event compromising our native environment and ensure we continue to apply the strongest wildlife protection measures for any such future works.