RESIDENTS fear Bacchus Marsh organisations could “go straight to culling” a swarm of corellas near Maddingley Park instead of trying non-lethal methods first.
The Weekly has viewed a ‘populous place permit’ issued to Bacchus Marsh Coaches by Victoria Police.
The permit allows a shooter to use a category-A firearm – shotguns, rifles and airguns – to eradicate corellas between 4.30 and 5.30pm.
Moorabool council and Bacchus Marsh Coaches deny any shooting has taken place, stating they are investigating the use of a scare gun to ‘‘relocate’’ the plague.
A council spokesman said the native birds had damaged oval lighting and large turf areas.
The birds are also affecting the nearby bus company, damaging trees in front of the property and chewing electrical wiring, roof grommets and aerials and wiper blades on vehicles.
Cr David Edwards said corella numbers had soared from 1500 to 5000 in 18 months.
“Arborists who have visited said that’s why [trees are] starting to drop limbs,” Cr Edwards said.
Council applied to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI), police and the Environment Protection Authority for permits.
DEPI senior compliance officer Jim O’Brien said non-lethal scaring was recommended as a deterrent measure.
“An authority to control wildlife permit has been issued as a last resort,” Mr O’Brien said.
Dave Nickels from Bacchus Marsh Coaches said gas guns, netting and releasing, birds of prey, and shooting “just one or two to deter others” were tactics that could be used to solve the 12-month problem.
