Corella expert flies in to help

Ian Temby will be in Old Noarlunga this week to assess the corella population. Image by LeoA VICTORIAN corella expert has been hired to provide fresh advice on how to control the annual invasion of more than 18,000 birds at Old Noarlunga.

Ian Temby, from Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment, will arrive on Thursday, February 25, for a four-day visit.

As part of the $6720 trip, jointly funded by the Natural Resources Management Board, the Department of Environment (DEH), Onkaparinga and Alexandrina councils, Mr Temby also will inspect corellas in Strathalbyn and Goolwa.

“This isn’t an easy problem to resolve and just because I’m coming over doesn’t mean I’m going to be able to solve the problem overnight,” he said.

“I think DEH just wanted to get some fresh eyes on the situation.”

Every year, between December and March, large flocks of birds descend on Old Noarlunga, damaging trees, causing a noisy racket and leaving a mess with their droppings.

A recent Onkaparinga Council trial, using spotlights to disperse the birds had limited success, while DEH strategies such as starvation, gas guns and culling had yet to be trialled.

Old Noarlunga Commercial and Residents Association (ONCARA) president Tony Conway said this year’s corella season had been “pretty prolific” and doubted Mr Temby’s visit would have any impact.

“Onkaparinga Council has tried everything, except for the Birds of Prey program,” he said.

“Even if Ian suggests something, it has to be funded and in the past 12 years there’s been no funding for corella management.”

Onkaparinga Council public health and safety manager Chris Button said he anticipated Mr Temby’s assessment could be the first step in establishing a state and/or regional plan for corella management.

Alexandrina engineering services manager Simon Grenfell said the council was looking for ways to improve management techniques.