Residents in Diggers Rest want action taken against large flocks
of recently arrived corellas that are destroying electrical wires.
The Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents’ Association (CCWRA) is
urging Melton council to take up non-lethal measures to remove the
native birds.
Last month, Moorabool council began using scare guns to move thousands of corellas from Bacchus Marsh.
CCWRA president Nathan Miles said it appeared the corellas had now taken up residency in Diggers Rest.
“From what I understand there’s thousands,” he said.
“Understandably we are living in their homes, we’re on their land, but I guess it needs to be balanced.
“They’ve destroyed people’s electrical wires, there’s a dangerous element to the community.”
Melton council’s acting manager of business growth and
sustainability, Tennille Bradley, said the council would not seek to
remove the corellas.
“Council is aware that the seasonal visitation of
corellas has caused some concern to some residents in Diggers Rest
previously, however, there is no plan for council to remove corellas from areas of Melton or Diggers Rest,” Ms Bradley said.
“The corellas are a protected bird under the Wildlife
Act 1975 and concerned residents are encouraged to contact the
Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) to discuss their
specific concerns.”
As reported in the Weekly, the DEPI granted permits to allow the non-lethal program in Moorabool, following repeated calls from residents.
“You would think two councils could sit down and move the corellas on together,” Mr Miles said.
