Native corellas causing damage to Port Fairy Cricket Grounds have been granted a reprieve after council backed away from previous discussions about shooting the birds.
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All seven councillors voted to explore non-lethal methods of deterring corellas despite robust discussion about shooting the birds taking place at the January meeting.
Cr Jordan Lockett, who brandished a corella feather as he spoke, said the shire had been “flooded” with emails and calls from “bird lovers” concerned about the birds being shot.
An council investigation into the matter outlined the challenges the shire would face if it tried to get permission to shoot the birds at the Port Fairy Cricket Grounds – both through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Victoria Police.
A motion was passed that will see council look into the management of playing surfaces after the health and type of grasses was found to be a significant factor in whether or not corellas caused damage. All other non-lethal methods will also be considered.
Cr Colin Ryan said all councillors had “gained a little knowledge” about the issue since the January meeting, and the Koroit oval was “looking like a bowling green” with no damage from the birds.
He suggested the lack of corellas at Koroit was to do with the type of grass they use.
Cr Ian Smith said he had been “disturbed” by the idea of destroying native birds and said taste deterrents used on his property had been effective.
He said people had contacted him with ideas such as growing crops to attract corellas on Port Fair’s outskirts.
