Rabbits
Mount Barker District Council is working in partnership with Landscape Hills and Fleurieu and Rabbit Free Australia to deliver a coordinated rabbit control program across the district.
The program aims to reduce rabbit numbers and limit their impact on local landscapes, native vegetation, agriculture and biodiversity through targeted, best-practice control measures.
Council previously used rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), commonly known as calicivirus. Due to high resistance rates in rabbit populations, this method will not be used again until further research and development supports its effective use.
Current control methods include thermal-assisted ground shooting, warren fumigation, the collapse and destruction of warrens, and the removal of excess debris that may provide shelter for rabbits.
Council does not use pindone or Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) for rabbit control due to the risk of off-target impacts on wildlife and other animals.
For further information about rabbit control and current research, visit:
Managing wild rabbits… | Landscape South Australia - Hills & Fleurieu
Thermal-Assisted Ground Shooting - September 2026
Mount Barker District Council is implementing a rabbit control program in the Laratinga Wetland Precinct, Anembo Park and Coppins Bush to address the negative impact wild rabbits are having on the local environment.
Council utilises an integrated pest management approach and combination of control methods which include thermal-assisted ground shooting, release of biological control (K5) and warren destruction.
As part of our pest management program, Council will conduct thermal assisted ground shooting operations, conducted by a licenced professional using firearms with silencers restricting sound to 75 – 80 decibels, at the following locations on the proposed dates:
- Laratinga Wetlands, Springs Wetland and surrounding reserves: Wednesday 30 September 2026 from 8pm until 3am Thursday 1 October 2026
- Anembo Park and Coppin’s Bush : Thursday 1 October 2026 from 8pm until 3am Friday 2 October 2026
Public safety is Council’s top priority and all necessary precautions will be taken including notifying local police. During operations, public access will be restricted with clear signage in place around the areas, sections cordoned off and a security guard patrolling the perimeter of each site.
Operations will cease instantly in the event of any unauthorised entry to the designated area.
Please ensure that members of your household (where appropriate), or employees working in these locations, are made aware of this planned operation and follow instructions provided by the signage in place.
If you have any questions or concerns about the rabbit control program, please contact Council’s Environmental Services team on 8391 7200. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us manage this issue.