Agriculture Victoria biosecurity officers have inspected 70 properties adjoining the Glenelg River to record the  presence of rabbits and discuss control options with landholders in the area. 

Rabbits are a significant threat to agricultural and environmental assets across the region.

Overgrazing and burrowing reduces important vegetation, increasing soil erosion and sediment loads into the Glenelg River. 

All private and public land managers within a specific area were included in the project. 

This was the last remaining section of Glenelg River yet to be inspected by the Department and assessed for rabbits. 

While rabbits are not expected to be found in large populations, it is timely for landowners to clean up any remaining warrens and rabbit harbour to ensure viability of the land and health of the waterway.

It is far more cost effective to manage and maintain rabbits at low levels rather than waiting until the population has increased to trigger control action. 

Where rabbits are detected, landowners will be provided with maps of the infestations.

They will also be provided with information on best practice rabbit control to ensure the most effective control outcomes are achieved. 

Consistent timeframes and expectations for rabbit control have been developed to ensure all land managers are working together in a timely manner.

This will optimise the outcomes that can be achieved and manage rabbits to standard thresholds.

Properties found to have rabbits will be reinspected during summer to determine the level of control works completed. 

For more information on the Chetwynd rabbit project or best practice rabbit control call 136 186 or visit Agriculture Victoria at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Dallas Gooding, leading biosecurity officer, Agriculture Victoria, Hamilton 

I ENCOURAGE local businesses to save money on their energy bills by utilising the Boosting Business Productivity Energy Assessment Grants Program.

Small businesses spending more than $20,000 a year on energy can apply for a basic energy assessment up to $2000 and a detailed energy assessment up to $6000. 

A $3000 implementation bonus is also available to both grant types to carry out one or more of the recommendations from their assessment.

These might include fitting variable speed drives to fan drives on existing variable air volume heating, ventilating, or air conditioning systems.

Another option may be to install fast rolling doors or clear plastic strips to prevent heat gain or loss on warehouse doors.

An energy assessment can be extremely beneficial to small and medium sized businesses – these assessments are undertaken by experts and provide tailored advice on how businesses can cut energy costs and improve productivity.

A further $630,000 was allocated to the Boosting Business Productivity grants program in the recent Budget. Small and medium sized manufacturers can now apply for a Materials Efficiency Grant of up $13,000 to improve materials efficiency, reducing waste sent to landfill.  

Grant applications are now open.

For more information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au, or call 1300 363 744 to speak to an adviser.

Jaala Pulford, Member for Western Victoria