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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 8 Hansard (27 June) . . Page.. 2543 ..

Legislation alone cannot achieve the cooperation needed between Government and the community to meet the challenges presented by pest plants and animals. However, it is necessary to have a legislative fall-back position to meet an intransigent attitude where lack of cooperation from one land manager is hindering the best efforts of others.

An excellent example of how the proposed amendment could be effectively used is presented by the current rabbit problem. Rabbits are recognised as the most environmentally damaging pest animal in Australia. They prevent regeneration of desirable native plant species causing loss of biodiversity, compete with commercial livestock and cause soil erosion and attendant problems in water quality.

The proposed release of the rabbit calicivirus, or its earlier arrival by natural spread, will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deplete the rabbit population.

Agencies, individuals and community groups will soon be called upon to participate in a coordinated effort to destroy rabbit harbor and warrens to minimise the rebuilding of rabbit numbers after the first impact of the disease.

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