Corella management planning continues in 2019

Published on 10 January 2019

Horsham Rural City Council is working on a suite of options to aid in the management of problem corellas that are impacting assets and open public space in the Wimmera.

Director Development Services Angela Murphy said the options would have a focus on non-lethal forms of management and are being developed in conjunction with local environmental consultant firm Rivertech Environment and Cultural Heritage Services.

“First and foremost, it is important to understand and accept that there is no 'magical silver-bullet' solution to bird control, especially corellas,” Ms Murphy said.

“Many members of our community are not aware of the complexities in managing problem wildlife, particularly corellas.

Ms Murphy said the options will inform a new corella management strategy that would likely include habitat manipulation and engineering solutions rather than relying on the traditional control measures.

“Corella food source management is one of options being considered and is likely to be one of the tools for HRCC and user groups to embrace for protection of their assets,” she said.

“The Department of Sustainability and Environment trials with food source minimisation during 2006 showed encouraging results in reducing damage by foraging corellas.”

Ms Murphy said the birds have been an issue in numerous municipalities for many years.

“It should be acknowledged that the birds are part of our natural environment.  Horsham is a regional city with a rural setting and is one of several municipalities that have abundant wildlife that can sometimes create issues at certain times of the year.

“We are liaising with the key sporting and user groups to provide information and support and request that they take responsibility for maintaining and looking after their facilities and ovals.

“For example Horsham Lawn Tennis Club is currently using a gas scare gun on loan from Horsham Rural City Council and are providing feedback on the results.

HRCC has previously trialled the use of drones to scare corellas away from open public space under Council management.

“No management option used by itself is likely to be wholly effective, but integrated with other options, may prove to be effective against an animal that is classed as a ‘learning bird’ and one which has proven to be adaptive and responsive to previous attempts at management,” Ms Murphy said.

“It is largely a community issue and council believes that the responsibility of corella management should be spread across groups and individuals as much as possible where the impacts are occurring in areas under their management.”

Ms Murphy also provided comments on the recent shooting of corellas at Coughlin Park.

“Recently, Horsham Saints Cricket Club received approval from Victoria Police for a populous place permit to use a firearm to control corellas at Coughlin Park. It should be noted that Coughlin Park is classified as private land and is therefore not under Council control nor management."

People can find out more information by contacting Ms Murphy on 53829777.