BATHURST Regional Council’s strategy to tackle the city’s pigeon problem has seen 2080 birds removed from the city since its inception in 2012, but one councillor believes not enough has been done.
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“I’d like to see a bit more. I think we have slowed down on it,” councillor Bourke said.
“We need to keep on top of it otherwise they are going to breed and come back.”
Acting environmental, planning and building services director Richard Denyer said a program for the Pest Bird Management Strategy operated throughout Bathurst in 2016.
It included three pigeon removal programs in February, June and August.
In each of these months a total of 398 pigeons were removed from areas in the CBD, 102 in February, 135 in June and 151 in August.
“This program involved the use of air rifles on approved buildings in the CBD. Council focuses on council buildings and neighbouring properties whereby the pigeon population can cause issues such blocking gutters, defacing public property and footpaths, et cetera,” Mr Denyer said.
“The work is completed at night where the animals roost; Machattie Park is not included as the animals only visit there during the day.”
In addition to the removal program, council is aiming to reduce feed and habitat opportunities for pest birds.
For this reason, visitors to Machattie Park are asked not to feed the pigeons.
Cr Bourke said there has been a reduction in pigeons around town, but claimed the birds “seem to be sneaking back” to areas that were previously problematic.
He said Howick Street and George Street are some of the worst areas for pigeons and agreed the Australia Fossil and Mineral Museum is still having issues.
Pigeons can be seen roosting around the forecourt of the museum, the roof covered in their droppings.
“I think once we get back into the council, we’ve got to look at the Fossil Museum,” Cr Bourke said.
“It is one of our prided museums and it is disgraced by rodents.”
When council began its eradication program, environmental officer Joel Little estimated there were 3000 pigeons living in the CBD.
Council undertook programs each year from 2013 to assist in the control of pest bird populations.
The Western Advocate reported in early January 2016 that council had removed a total of 1682 pigeons through its programs since 2013.
This figure was the result an initial trapping program in March 2013 that removed 904 birds from the CBD, followed up by contract shooters permanently removing 593 pigeons from private businesses and council facilities during three separate culls in July 2013, September 2015 and November 2015.
“We continue to provide advice to property owners regarding what they can do to stop pigeons becoming a problem and implementing their own management regime,” Mr Denyer said.
