"The Rabbit problem largely exists because of habitat modification, through early exploitative pastoralism (that is burning and overgrazing) and the Rabbits remain a problem now, because of the aridity, the soil type and continued pastoralism."

"The problem has got worse because of policies on pastoral leases and subsidies for pest control, which have distorted good environment management. High prices for fine wool have also encouraged high stocking levels, which lead to more land being suitable for high numbers of rabbits."

"Myxomatosis is a medium-term cost-saving device. It will postpone, but not solve, the problem of sustainable land use."

(NZ Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, 1987)

This is a New Zealand commentary, but the causes and effects of bad land management are the same in Australia.