Drought total grazing pressure project – feral rabbit control
This program aims to help control wild rabbits and reduce total grazing pressure across drought-affected pastoral and agricultural regions.
PIRSA leads the program in partnership with regional landscape boards, Rabbit-Free Australia, and the National Rabbit Coordinator.
The program started 6 May 2025 and will end when all funds are allocated.
Support for drought impacted farmers
Eligible landholders can get help with the following activities, aligned with best-practice rabbit control:
- Warren ripping (up to 20 hours by a professional contractor)
- 1080 baiting, before or after ripping
- Calicivirus release where rabbit populations are susceptible
Who can apply
To be eligible, you must:
- be a primary producer
- provide a valid ABN
- demonstrate impacts from significant rabbit populations.
Program conditions
Warren ripping (contractor provided)
- Up to 20 hours per landholder (per ABN)
- Requires mapping of warrens and underground infrastructure
- Landholder must be present and provide pre and post-ripping photos
1080 rabbit bait
- Must use bait with warren destruction (unless not possible)
- Free bait available for properties over 5 hectare via landscape boards
- Requires compliance with bait-use directions and approvals
Calicivirus (Biocontrol)
- Available where local rabbit populations are known to be susceptible
- Must be paired with warren destruction
- No minimum property size
Farmer responsibilities
To receive support, farmers must:
- provide maps and photographs of warrens
- be present for contractor access
- clear access to warrens by removing weeds and junk (not covered by program)
- follow all directions for bait use and biocontrol releases.
Contractor requirements
To allow for broad access:
- Maximum 20 hours of ripping per landholder ABN
- 1080 and calicivirus bait quantities determined by landscape boards.
How to apply
For more information contact the project coordinator:
Emily Strong – Pest Animal Management Support
Phone: 0409 131 519
Email: emily.strong@sa.gov.au
Landscape boards may also hold local meetings to help landholders register interest.