Corella Control Trial Programme Council has resolved to take onboard the scientific evidence provided by the Department <strong>of</strong> Environment and Conservation and support a trial control programme aimed at reducing the number <strong>of</strong> Little and Eastern Long-billed Corellas flocking around the <strong>Busselton</strong> town site. The trial control programme, which will go for 12 months, will commence when the birds return to town to roost. A tightly monitored shoot plan will ensure public safety and comfort. Culling will be restricted to specific reserve areas and will generally take place in the early hours <strong>of</strong> the morning. After the trial has been run, a report will go to Council assessing its effectiveness. “We are hoping the programme will result in reduced build up <strong>of</strong> these birds in the <strong>Busselton</strong> townsite and will assist in determining the most effective control method if future programmes are necessary,” said Cr Stubbs. “But another important indicator <strong>of</strong> success will be the extent to which the programme was accepted by the community. Its important to us that people understand the facts as they have been presented to us by scientists who have been involved in similar control programmes in the Perth metropolitan area.” Some FAQ’s about the Corella Control Programme What species will be targeted? The Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea) and the Eastern Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris). Shire President, Ian Stubbs, welcomed a group <strong>of</strong> Japanese students and teachers taking part in the Shire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong> Sister <strong>City</strong> Association’s exchange program. Now in its 15th year, the programme remains strong and continues to provide our citizens <strong>with</strong> a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange. At the welcome function the visiting students displayed traditional Japanese dances and addressed invited guests on what they hoped to gain from their exchange experience. Photo by Gary <strong>Port</strong>er, DEC Are these birds native to the South West <strong>of</strong> WA? No - both these species have been introduced to the South West. Little Corellas are native to the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions <strong>with</strong> a small population in the wheatbelt. They also occur in the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and the eastern parts <strong>of</strong> South Australia. Eastern Long-billed Corellas are native to southcentral New South Wales, Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. Why do we need to control them? These introduced species pose a threat to our native birds by taking over nesting hollows and interbreeding <strong>with</strong> our WA native corella population. They create excessive noise, damage agricultural crops, defoliate trees and dig holes in grassed playing surfaces. Their droppings contaminate paths, and public outdoor eating and resting areas and they chew telecommunication cabling, household wiring and reticulation. What will happen if we don’t seek to control these introduced species? Their numbers will continue to grow while conditions are favourable. Flocks <strong>of</strong> Sister <strong>City</strong> Cultural Exchanges A few weeks later the Shire President farewelled 15 local students and their teachers as they embarked upon a reciprocal exchange to <strong>Sugito</strong>, Japan. Presenting them <strong>with</strong> their travel wallets, the Shire President reminded the students that they were important ambassadors for our Shire. People interested in finding out more about the Shire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong> – <strong>Sugito</strong> Sister <strong>City</strong> relationship and the range <strong>of</strong> exchange opportunities available should visit the Sister Cities <strong>Busselton</strong> website at www.sobsca. asn.au or follow the link on the Shire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong> website. Corella typically number 5,000 but have been known to expand to 50,000. As the numbers grow the impacts created by the birds will continue to increase. How will the birds be controlled? Only methods that are approved by DEC and that are humane will be used. The most humane method is considered to be shooting. Other methods include: cage trapping and cannon netting. These methods trap the birds so that they can be put to sleep using Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Could other species, including endangered species, be in avertedly killed during the cull? No. Shooting is very target specific method <strong>of</strong> control. Only non native Corellas will be targeted. The Corella species which will be targeted fly together in flocks and generally do not mix <strong>with</strong> other bird species. If the cage trapping or cannon netting methods catch a non target species it can be selectively released during the euthanising process. Will the shooting programme pose a risk to humans, pets or other wildlife? No. An approved shoot plan will limit firearm activity to designated locations and hours. The single firearms expert, who has been engaged to undertake the control work, has been involved in several DEC programmes and will only shoot stationary targets (i.e. roosting birds). The use <strong>of</strong> firearms in built-up areas will be discussed <strong>with</strong> the WA Police and endorsed subject to safety requirements. You can find out more about these species by visiting the following website www.dec. wa.gov.au/animals/living-<strong>with</strong>-wildlife/index. html Next Stage <strong>of</strong> Queen Street Upgrade Last month saw work commence on the next stage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong>'s Queen Street upgrade. During the next few weeks Shire workers will install new kerbing, drainage, and sections <strong>of</strong> paving between Duchess Street and Adelaide Street. This stage will also see the construction <strong>of</strong> a new roundabout at the intersection <strong>of</strong> Duchess Street and Queen Street which will greatly assist the flow <strong>of</strong> traffic in the CBD and improve pedestrian access and safety. Other components <strong>of</strong> the upgrade include landscaping along the median strip and upgrading brick paved and gravelled areas in more aesthetically appealing colour tones. Shire <strong>of</strong>ficers will make every effort to minimise disruption to businesses, motorists and pedestrians, however, some road closures will be required during the upgrade. Shire staff will notify adjacent businesses when disruptions to parking and pedestrian access will occur. Members <strong>of</strong> the public are asked to take note <strong>of</strong> the changing work environment and comply <strong>with</strong> worksite signage. Please remember to slow down and give Shire workers plenty <strong>of</strong> space as they work hard to improve the functionality and appeal <strong>of</strong> our town centre. Enquires regarding the Queen Street upgrade can be directed to the Shire’s Customer Service Officer on 9781 0424. Written feedback on the delivery <strong>of</strong> the project is welcome and should be mailed to: Feedback Queen Street Townscape Works, Shire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong>, Locked Bag 1, <strong>Busselton</strong> WA 6280. Law to Control Dust and Building Waste A new Local Law has been introduced to regulate the management <strong>of</strong> waste and dust on building and development sites across the Shire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong>. The local law outlines a range <strong>of</strong> measures which must be taken to ensure the control <strong>of</strong> dust on development sites. There is also a requirement for builders to notify owners or occupiers <strong>of</strong> adjoining land prior to the commencement <strong>of</strong> any activity that may release dust. Builders are required to provide an approved 4 cubic metre capacity bin or wire enclosure, complete <strong>with</strong> lid, on the building site prior to the commencement <strong>of</strong> building work. This bin or wire enclosure must be used to contain all building waste and the lid must be kept securely in place at all times. On the spot infringements <strong>of</strong> up to $500 may be issued for non-compliance <strong>with</strong> this Local Law. What not to do A copy <strong>of</strong> the Local Law can be located on the Shire’s website; www.busselton.wa.gov. au/council/local_law Any queries regarding the new Local Law should be directed to the Ranger Services, Environmental Health or Building Services on 9781 0444. Events Calendar Major upcoming events in the Shire <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong> include: November 7 Meelup Hill Climb – Meelup Carpark 14 Geo Bay Swim - Quindalup Boat ramp to <strong>Busselton</strong> Jetty 22 - 26 Leavers Week – Leavers Zone, Dunsborough 28 <strong>Busselton</strong> Mot<strong>of</strong>est – Sir Stuart Bovell Oval, <strong>Busselton</strong> December 4 - 5 Yallingup Malibu Surf Classic – Yallingup Beach 5 Ironman WA (<strong>Busselton</strong>) - <strong>Busselton</strong> Foreshore 11 Carols by Candlelight – Rotary Park, <strong>Busselton</strong> January 1- 3 Southbound Concert & Camping - Sir Stuart Bovell Oval, <strong>Busselton</strong> 14 - 22 Festival <strong>of</strong> <strong>Busselton</strong> - various venues 12 - 16 <strong>Busselton</strong> Beach Festival - <strong>Busselton</strong> Foreshore & Old Courthouse 26 Australia Day Breakfast - Rotary Park <strong>Busselton</strong> & Dunsborough Playing Fields, Dunsborough February 5 <strong>Busselton</strong> Jets Half Marathon & Walk – Signal Park, <strong>Busselton</strong> 5 <strong>Busselton</strong> Jetty Fiesta - <strong>Busselton</strong> Foreshore 6 <strong>Busselton</strong> Jetty Swim 18 - 25 <strong>Geographe</strong> Bay Race Week - <strong>Geographe</strong> Bay, <strong>Busselton</strong>