The Federal Department of Environment wants public comment on its updated control plan, ahead of the expected release of a new calicivirus strain in autumn.

Shoalhaven’s use of biological control has been limited to the poison Pindone since last August.

Works and Services Manager Tony Fraser says “Council’s involvement is very localised and driven by community groups showing interest in rabbit control on our land”.

“Our role is about coordinating and encouraging groups, including private landowners, to ensure they have the basic training required to release Pindone.”

According to Charlie Signorelli from Local Land Services, the government body that oversees land management in NSW, “Shoalhaven Council is a bit of a shining light - if a lot of other councils took their lead, the benefits to the community would be far more widespread”.