REDLAND City Council has appealed for public help after bird exclusion netting at the Victoria Point ferry terminal was allegedly vandalised twice in recent weeks.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said deliberate cuts and tears in the recently installed netting were believed to have allowed a swallow into the roof space behind the barrier.
Council became aware of the issue after a video of the bird circulated online.
“Following an investigation, Council identified deliberate cuts/tears in the net made by vandals were the likely cause for the bird entering the roof space behind the netting,” Cr Talty said.
“This incident was not the result of an issue with the exclusion netting, which is designed with a specific mesh size to prevent birds from entering.”
The swallow was freed; the damaged netting was repaired and the matter referred to Queensland Police for investigation.
However, Council says the netting was targeted again over the Redlands Coast long weekend, from August 8 to 10.
Bird exclusion netting was installed at the Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island ferry terminals earlier this year to help prevent birds nesting and roosting beneath the structures.
Council said the work was completed by an approved contractor under relevant guidelines, with no birds present in the work area during installation.
The netting is intended to keep terminal areas clean and protect the structures from deterioration caused by bird droppings.
“Deliberately damaging public assets is an offence and can result in additional repair costs to Council and the community,” Cr Talty said.
Residents who witness vandalism are urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Any bird trapped behind terminal netting should be reported to Council immediately on 3829 8999.
