News

Kamikaze Corellas are in for a rude surprise at port

By Tyla Harrington

Mar 1, 2019

CAMPASPE Shire Council will use a noise device to scare away, and move on, the large numbers of swarming corellas in the Port of Echuca.

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Economic and community development general manager Keith Oberin said he hoped the device would remove the corellas and stop the damage to community buildings and furniture, as well as the historic paddlesteamer fleet, within the precinct.

‘‘The corellas don’t just eat, they destroy, and are persistent and destructive birds,’’ Mr Oberin said.

‘‘They gather in the early morning and the noise device will be used between 7am and 7.30am to move them on to prevent further damage.’’

The birds are a mix of Long-Billed Corellas, Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos and Galahs and commonly referred to as ‘cockatoos’.

Council staff have the necessary permissions to carry out the works and are in the process of notifying residents and businesses in the area.

‘‘The birds are pulling nails out of rooves, shredding timber off buildings, ripping huge holes in wool bale exhibits, chewing paint off buildings and more,’’ Mr Oberin said.

‘‘We are anticipating this non-lethal solution will stop the damage to community infrastructure, leaving a huge repair bill for our ratepayers.’’