Control program ’disaster’: Bunny battles

FRESHWATER Creek farmers have labelled a Department of Primary Industries rabbit eradication program an “absolute disaster” run by “heavy handed” bureaucrats.
Farmer Ann Bullen said she would spend $40,000 to surround her property in rabbit-proof mesh fencing because the “uncoordinated” program failed to curb the infestation.
Ms Bullen said Department of Primary Industries refused to help her eradicate rabbits despite her property being less than 20 metres from the problem area along Thompson’s Creek between Pettavel and Anglesea Rds.
Farmer Harry Cook said he received a fine after spending 208 hours killing rabbits under “vague instructions” and “impossible tasks”.
“I pleaded with the DPI to come and show us what to do – but the request was denied.”
Mr Cook said landowners felt bullied and intimidated at the hands of DPI.
Ms Bullen’s neighbour Penny Stephens planned to contest in court a $500 fine she recieved sent after a disagreement with DPI staff at her property a week earlier.
“We’ve done our best to comply but rabbits don’t respect boundaries. They (DPI) weren’t supplying me with advice, support or anything.”
Ms Stephens said DPI staff argued with State Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos when she invited him to her property inspection for “protection” after they entered her land without her permission.
“Surprise, surprise, the fine came a week after my inspection.”
Mr Katos said the incident “surprised” him.
DPI needed to improve its “educational role”, he said.
“The way they deal with people at times needs to be improved.”
A DPI spokesperson said Ms Stephens’ fine was for failing to meet requirements of a direction notice.
Four of the 30 properties included in the Thompson’s Creek project had received fines and faced potential court action.
Two per cent of more than 1000 properties state-wide received fines.
“This small minority jeopardise the efforts of the other 98 per cent of landholders who do the right thing by the law and by the wider community,” the spokesperson said.
State Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said “savage cuts” to DPI services were making Victorians question the Government’s ability to control rabbits.