BATHURST Regional Councillors have shown some scepticism about how Bathurst’s problem with pigeons and other birds will be solved by the Pest Bird Management Plan which will be delivered next month.
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Cr Bobby Bourke said nothing council had tried seemed to be working. He added that, if anything, the problem is worse in the central business district (CBD) than it was before.
“The sooner the report is done, the better,” Cr Bourke said at last Wednesday night’s council meeting.
Council engaged the NGH Environmental group to develop the plan, which will guide council’s actions and provide information to the community and businesses on appropriate measures for their property.
In the course of preparing the plan, NGH conducted a business and landholders survey asking businesses and households about the impact from pigeons, starlings, mynas, sparrows and blackbirds.
Ninety-four CBD premises completed a survey in which 74.5 per cent had a problem with pest birds.
Seventy-five landholders completed a community survey in which 88 per cent had an issue with pest birds.
The surveys have shown that pigeons are having the highest impact on the businesses while starlings and sparrows have the highest impact on landholders.
Cr Monica Morse, who has been outspoken about the bird problems facing the city, said she welcomes the study.
“I hope it leads to a resolution regarding the pigeons,” she said.
“The issue is more complicated than you would think.”
Deputy mayor Tracey Carpenter said she has to ask what the study tells us.
“How have we progressed?” she asked.
Director of environmental, planning and building services David Shaw said the Pest Bird Management Plan should have some recommendations that council and members of the public can implement.
Mr Shaw said the plan will be completed in April.
