The Melbourne-based stone conservator is in Warrnambool to inspect the parish’s building and recommend options for ongoing maintenance.

Mr Charlwood believes the decayed stone is possibly due to salt crystals making it soft, which has allowed cockatoos to chew through two sandstone blocks.

“It’s a stone decay problem and the cockies are a secondary problem,” he told The Standard.

“They must be getting some nutrient value from it.

“You can see where the stone is deteriorating and it’s really soft, so the cockies can lay into it more easily.

“The new stone from the 1980s is unfortunately the wrong type of stone. 

“The fact is they were using what they had access to in the ’80s and we understand now you’ve got to make every effort to use the same stone to repair it.

“The moisture moves really freely through the stone and leaves behind the mineral salts it’s transporting through the stone.”

St Joseph’s parish business manager Barry Wolff said the obvious superficial damage to the spire led the church had seek advice from Mr Charlwood, who will determine the best way to maintain its integrity.

“The parish and community feel a responsibility to put some maintenance into such an architecturally significant building in Warrnambool’s CBD,” Mr Wolff said.

“The spire was rejuvenated back in the ’80s, but the church is more than 125 years old so it’s made to last.”

Mr Charlwood said there would be multiple solutions to carefully consider.

“It depends on so many factors — budgets, availability of stone, availability of skills.

“We’re here to get information today and close-up photos are the best information.”

Local builder Leigh Monaghan will perform any maintenance works on the church spire after a recommendation is made.