Newsroom Investigates goes down the rabbit hole looking at the South Island region overrun with rabbits.

The video titled "Menace Of The Rabbit (1948)" is an archival newsreel documenting Australia's struggle with a massive rabbit infestation in the mid-20th century.

It showcases the ecological and agricultural devastation caused by the unchecked rabbit population, which led to significant crop destruction and land degradation.

The footage highlights the extensive measures taken to control the outbreak, including fencing, poisoning, and trapping, underscoring the severity of the issue and the lengths to which authorities went to mitigate the damage.​

Rabbits are one of the most destructive invasive species in Australia. This video shows how to effectively add baiting to your control program. This video is Part 2 of a five-part series: Rabbit control in Victoria, Rabbit control in Victoria - baiting, Rabbit control in Victoria - ripping, Rabbit control in Victoria - fumigation, Supplementary Rabbit control options in Victoria

Rabbits are one of the most destructive invasive species in Australia. This video highlights things you should know when considering rabbit warren ripping as part of your pest animal control activities. This video is Part 3 of a five-part series: Rabbit control in Victoria, Rabbit control in Victoria - baiting, Rabbit control in Victoria - ripping, Rabbit control in Victoria - fumigation, Supplementary Rabbit control options in Victoria

The Rabbit Sweep project, led by the Bellarine Landcare Group (BLG) Rabbit Action Group, is a community-driven initiative aimed at controlling the invasive rabbit population on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. Recognizing the extensive environmental damage caused by rabbits to native flora and fauna, the project advocates for a comprehensive, peninsula-wide strategy.​rabbit-sweep.org

Key components of the project include:​

• Community Engagement: Encouraging local residents to participate in rabbit control efforts, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.​rabbit-sweep.org

• Research and Education: Conducting studies to understand effective control methods and disseminating this knowledge through educational activities.​rabbit-sweep.org

• Collaborative Strategy Development: Bringing together experts from across Victoria to design a unified approach to rabbit management.​rabbit-sweep.org

• Implementation of a 'Rabbit-Proof' Boundary: Exploring the feasibility of establishing a barrier to prevent rabbit re-entry, inspired by successful pest eradication models on other islands.​rabbit-sweep.org

The initiative aims to restore the ecological balance of the Bellarine Peninsula by reducing rabbit-induced degradation, thereby supporting the region's biodiversity and agricultural productivity. The project commenced local implementation in 2024–2025, with plans for broader application in the future.