NSW Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan says the Easter Bunny might get a warm welcome next weekend, but farmers and regional communities across the state aren’t so lucky thanks to a State Government who appears to have taken an extended Easter break.
New reports confirm what farmers already know – rabbit populations are booming again, fuelled by perfect seasonal conditions and growing resistance to outdated virus controls.
The ABC has highlighted surges across southern NSW, while the SMH warns the nation is “defenceless” against the next wave of feral rabbits.
“While the Easter Bunny is hopping around handing out chocolate, real rabbits are tearing up crops, stripping pasture, and making a mess of regional NSW,” Mr Moylan said.
“Where is the NSW Agriculture Minister in all of this? Nowhere. Absolutely nowhere.”
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michael Kemp said farmers are juggling diesel shortages, fertiliser shortages, worsening conditions, feral animals, and now exploding rabbit populations, while the Government sits on its hands.
“We all know the virus controls are losing effectiveness. We know the rabbits are multiplying. The only thing multiplying faster than rabbits right now is government inaction,” Mr Kemp said.
Nationals MLC Scott Barrett added Easter was the perfect reminder of the disconnect between city-based decision makers and the realities faced by regional communities.
“The Easter Bunny can get a free pass for a weekend, but we need to keep in mind that millions of rabbits are causing untold destruction across the countryside,” Mr Barrett said.
“And it’s only set to get worse. This Easter is the perfect time for the Minns Labor Government to commit to developing another long-term control method to help our farmers for decades to come.”
The NSW Opposition is calling for:
- Immediate State & Federal coordination to fast-track updated virus controls;
- Investment in research to combat growing resistance in rabbit populations; and,
- A long term, properly funded national rabbit management strategy.
Mr Moylan said until Labor gets serious, the Easter Bunny’s mates will continue to multiply.
Media Release: NSW Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan
