BIRD exclusion netting at the two ferry terminals servicing Coochiemudlo Island will be removed following community concerns that swallows were becoming trapped.
The decision follows reports of birds finding their way through damaged netting and being unable to escape at the Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point jetties.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the netting had been installed in June to reduce slip hazards from bird droppings and protect terminal structures, but the approach had not worked as intended.
“It was unfortunate that this method of bird exclusion had not been successful at these two terminals, but Council was committed to finding a solution that balanced protecting the wellbeing of local birdlife with providing a clean, safe and comfortable environment for the community,” Cr Talty said.
“The netting was installed to help reduce the risk of injury from slips and falls by commuters by maintaining a clean environment for the community and to protect the terminal structure from degradation caused by bird droppings.
“However, we seem to have entered a cycle of trapped birds, and damage to the nets to free them, which in turn has increased the opportunity for more birds to be trapped.”
Cr Talty said Council had decided to remove the netting while it investigated other ways to manage birds at the terminals.
“Removing the netting will prevent further instances of entrapment while Council seeks an alternative option,” she said.
“While similar bird management measures have worked successfully in other areas of the city, it’s clear that a rethink is required at Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point, with netting at both locations having been damaged several times since being installed in June.”
Council officers have attended the sites to safely release birds whenever reports of entrapment have been received.
Cr Talty urged residents to respect council officers and contractors working at the terminals, saying safety remained paramount.
