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Aussie is growing ...
fight against rabbits
Rabbits are wreaking havoc on local ecosystems , farmland , and native wildlife , and Greater Sydney residents are being urged to act now . Testing has shown minimal immunity to the calicivirus in the wild rabbit population and therefore it ’ s an ideal time to launch a coordinated rabbit control program .
“ For effective long-term control of rabbits , landholders need to reduce populations by at least 90 %. This can ’ t be achieved on your own , so working with your neighbours and the broader community is vitally important ,” said Jacob French , Biosecurity Officer with Local Land Services .
In addition to traditional control methods like baiting , trapping , and shooting , the use of biological controls - such as the calicivirus - has been a topic of interest . However , it is not a silver bullet , and other methods need to be employed in conjunction for effective population control . Timing is crucial when it comes to the virus ’ release . If young rabbits are exposed too early , they may develop immunity and pass it on to future generations , diminishing the virus ’ effectiveness .
“ For those interested in participating
in a local calicivirus release program , registration is now open - https :// regionalnsw . qualtrics . com / jfe / form / SV _ a9Gzi65RaV1nP1Q . The community is also being asked to assist with trapping efforts and surveillance testing for calicivirus resistance .”
For more information and resources , residents can access the Pest Smart Website - https :// pestsmart . org . au / toolkit-resource / frequently-askedquestions-about-rhdv1-k5 / and Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028 ( Local Land Services ).
To get started on a control plan tailored to their property and community , landholders are encouraged to contact their local Biosecurity Officer on 0438 073 749 .
Keep the water cool
With climate change kicking in , local success story , Australian Pump Industries , is having trouble keeping up with product demand from all over the world . The success of the company is based on its ethics and value for money product line .
John Hales is Aussie Pumps ’ Chief Engineer , and comments , “ We design and build machines as if we are going to use them ourselves .”
Currently there are great
opportunities for a media manager , product managers , fitters / assemblers , and interns eager to get a start in an aspect of the commercial world where everything you do helps somebody ! If it ’ s drought , fires or floods , anywhere in the world … Aussie is there !
For further information , contact Linda-Sue Karkowski at info @ aussiepumps . com . au
for stock this summer
As we move through another hot summer , Local Land Services is reminding livestock producers of the important steps they should take to ensure stock are well hydrated .
“ As the weather warms up , livestock will have a harder time maintaining daily functions , just like us ,” said Principal Program Manager of Agriculture and Plant Biosecurity , Andrew Lieschke .
“ Livestock drink considerably more water in hotter weather , with beef cattle , depending on their class , consuming up to 100 litres per head per day and sheep and goats up to 10 litres a head per day . However , actual intake will vary based off water quality , environmental and animal factors .
“ Livestock will also avoid warm water so it ’ s important to provide shade and shelter for water resources , as well as stock .
“ It ’ s vital that producers are aware of the steps they can take and factor these into their livestock and property management to ensure stock are well hydrated and remain in good condition over summer .”
If you ’ re mustering , handling and transporting livestock during the warmer months , it is essential to meet basic animal welfare standards , such as :
• move livestock during early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler
• provide sufficient shade and shelter
for animals to rest and cool down
• ensure you have sufficient feed available during the summer period to maintain animals in a healthy condition
• consider drafting off all animals suitable for sale via saleyards or directly to a processor if required
If you have any questions about your stock and water intake , and managing your local conditions , contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or via www . lls . nsw . gov . au
26 ISSUE 177 // FEBRUARY 2025 HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT