COUNTRY VICTORIA’S NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR
www.loddonherald.com.au
Loddon HERALD FREE EVERY THURSDAY
Vol 2 No 19 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 ISSN 2653-1550
CORELLAS ‘IN THEIR THOUSANDS’ STRIP RIVERBANK TREES
BARK CRAZY
AN INVASION of destructive corellas could threaten health of the Loddon River and its gum trees.
Bridgewater residents have seen the birds “in their thousands” return to strip centuryold gum trees of green shoots, bark and sap this year. The birds have also damaged street lighting and feasted on house roof protective seals. “It’s looking like a mouse plaque,” said Bridgewater Hotel owner Greg McKinley. “The destruction of rivergums has now spread to low branches. I fear there’s a great risk of losing them forever.” Mr McKinley said the trees made the Loddon River and any destruction risked river ecology and attractiveness of the town. It’s not the first time corellas have arrived at Bridgewater in what locals are calling plague proportions. In 2016, a plan aimed to reduce the availability of food, including reviewing site hygiene at bulk grain locations, investigate methods to scare the birds from the area and “informing the local community about discouraging birds from their properties”. Loddon Shire Council said this week it engaged under that plan to trial the use of drones emitting sounds to scare the birds, however, “this did not result in any lasting impact, as the birds became accustomed to the activity and returned to the area during the trial period”. Council said it had also asked the Municipal Association of
Viriginia Hyland and Greg McKinley ... fears for river gums under attack from corellas. DIGITALLY ENHANCED IMAGE
Victoria four years ago to request action on the management of corellas. “Council raised concerns that the destruction caused by the large corella population in Loddon Shire not only has a detrimental impact on the built environment, but is killing established, mature trees such as river red gums,” council said.
NOW SELLING STOCKFEED
“Council asked the MAV to continue its advocacy efforts regarding this issue until action is taken by the relevant state departments to address the problem. It was suggested that a review of the protected status of corellas by the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning may assist in finding solutions.”
Mr McKinley said destruction of the river bank trees was also creating risks for safety of pedestrians using walking paths. “There’s nothing unusual to have piles of bark everywhere each morning after corellas have been munching on branches,” he said. “We’ve been invaded by these pests.”
Time right ‘to realise lake dream’ ABORIGINAL corporation leader Rodney Carter this week said it was time to realise the dream of creating a visitor experience of national significance at Lake Boort. The DJAARA CEO wants community support for the Lake Boort Scarred Tree Masterplan that includes building visitor tracks and viewing points around the lake. The masterplan estimated an injection of up to $18 million a year to the economy if the project was advanced. Mr Carter said: “The Yung Balug Clan has advocated for many years on the beauty and significance of their history and cultural heritage at Boort, now is the time to support them and the wider community of Boort to realise a long held dream.” Parks Victoria said it would continue work with Djaara, Loddon Shire Council and other stakeholders. Lake Boort is regarded as one of the most important Aboriginal cultural sites, with more than 400 scarred trees. Cost benefit analysis and tourism assessments have projected visitation up to 65,000 people a year. Parks Victoria is responsible for the management of Lake Boort. According to the joint council, DJAARA and Parks Victoria statement, consultation showed strong support from the community “for considered and sensitive development of interpretive, educational and experiential components not only build engagement and appreciation, but also to work to build greater protections for this unique landscape”.
COMMUNITY BACKS PUB’S NEW LIFE - Page 3