RoadsTas ask that rabbit statues be removed from Bunny Island due to safety concerns

A median strip on the Bass Highway has become a beloved location due to its rabbit population with locals bouncing on the chance to set up decorations. Why it’s being removed.

Some of the rabbits that live on Bunny Island. Picture: Supplied

Bunny Island in Burnie has become a beloved location for locals.

The name has been given to a median strip on the Bass Highway, opposite McDonald’s Burnie, home to a rabbit population.

Over the last year, people have been putting signs up and decorating the “island”.

The location is so popular that a Facebook group called “Burnie’s Bunny Island Bunnies” has attracted nearly 3000 members.

However, RoadsTas has asked that the decorations on the median strip be removed by March 8.

The rabbit statues that have since been removed from Bunny Island. Picture: Supplied.

“We understand that Bunny Island has a special place in the heart of the Burnie community,” a RoadsTas spokesperson said.

“This is clear in the affection and appreciation the locals have shown to the island, with a dedicated Facebook page and decorations celebrating the bunnies.

“Until recently, we have been happy to let small decorations such as the Bunny Island sign stay in place, but the recent influx of statues – particularly some of the larger items – are presenting a safety hazard to the community.

“Having too many decorations on the island also makes it difficult for our maintenance workers to maintain the island effectively.”

As of Tuesday, the rabbit statues had been removed, but the sign welcoming drivers to Bunny Island remained.

Trent Aitken is an admin and moderator of the Burnie’s Bunny Island Bunnies Facebook group and the person who made the welcome sign.

The sign welcoming motorists to Bunny Island. Picture: Supplied.

“It was a fantastic decision made by RoadsTas. The feedback that I received was they looked fake and looked tacky,” Mr Aitken said.

“People actually enjoyed Bunny Island because it was one of the few places in the world where right in the middle of a city where you had rabbits and wildlife running around that you could watch doing their thing.

“It was spoiled by plastic rabbits.”

Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby said the council was not responsible for Bunny Island or the decision to remove the decorations.

“I am, however, thankful that they have allowed for the Bunny Island sign to remain that denotes the much-loved island locals have come to appreciate,” Ms Brumby said.

“Many people clearly enjoy watching the bunnies who come out to play not only at night

but often during the day.”

Mr Aitken, also a Burnie councillor, said Bunny Island was a special place.

“This is something that’s kind of occurred naturally. It ended up with a bunny or two on it, and people started paying attention to it.

“People started falling in love with it, and people started making signs for the island. It’s becoming a little patch of Burnie that is now becoming renowned worldwide.

“It’s something that’s ours.”

Originally published as RoadsTas ask that rabbit statues be removed from Bunny Island due to safety concerns