Contract - ITS2-00458.

Project Background

The purpose of the project is to promote recovery of Mallee and Kerang landscapes, particularly the dry non-eucalypt woodlands which are at greatest risk from rabbits. Parks Victoria (PV) plans to undertake rabbit control in priority vegetation restoration areas to reduce rabbit population levels and their impact to semi-arid non-eucalypt woodland vegetation communities.

The project area includes the Mallee National Parks (Wyperfeld, Murray Sunset, Hattah Kulkyne and surrounding areas) and Kerang Lakes (Lake Cullen, Koorangie Wildlife Reserve and surrounding areas). In 1982, the Kerang Lakes were listed as a wetland of international importance (RAMSAR site) under the RAMSAR convention, particularly for the critical habitat and resources it provides to support a high diversity of waterbirds and other wetland dependent fauna.

Rabbits are one of the most significant threats to the conservation and regeneration of native vegetation communities and habitats in Northern Victoria. Effective control of rabbit populations in the Mallee National Parks and Kerang Lakes is essential to protect vulnerable vegetation communities, reduce erosion and improve ecosystem health.

Parks Victoria is seeking to engage a single or multiple suitably qualified and experienced Service Provider/s for the provision of specialist rabbit control services to undertake a range of control measures across the Mallee National Parks and Kerang Lakes. The engagement will be for an initial term of two (2) years and six (6) months, with two (2) one (1) year options to extend at PV’s discretion.

The rabbit control services that are required include warren ripping, fumigation and/or baiting. All management activities undertaken must be sensitive to native flora, fauna, cultural heritage and exclusion areas identified by PV.

The project will have broader biodiversity and other benefits, including but not limited to reduced fox predation of native fauna, reduced groundwater recharge, reduced soil erosion, increased carbon sequestration, improved agricultural protection, and improved habitat for a suite of fauna. The project will also ensure protection of significant cultural artefacts and sites.

Tender Outcome - Four Suppliers have been contracted with via Services Deeds of Standing Offer under a Panel Arrangement.