The Alexandrina Council says it has noticed an increased presence of little corellas at Strathalbyn, causing problems for infrastructure, plants and residents near the Soldiers Memorial Gardens.
According to the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), little corellas are more active in late-summer and autumn, but persistent dry conditions could be behind an apparent increase in their numbers.
Native to northern SA, little corellas have regularly visited the more populated areas near Adelaide since about the 1960s and are considered pests. Since 2002 the council has trialled a series of techniques to deter them from the Strathalbyn Soldiers Memorial Gardens, including sonic and ultrasonic scare devices, a “trap and gas” program, clapboards, starter pistols and lasers.
In 2008 the council even contracted the handler of a peregrine falcon to help push little corellas to the outskirts of the town.
A council spokesperson said the use of a drone at the region’s most problematic sites had been the most effective method so far, but admitted it still had limitations.
“Weather conditions need to be right to allow (it) to fly,” they said.
Hills towns have seen a rise in pest numbers recently, as drought conditions force them into more developed areas in search of water, feed and shelter.
A DEW spokesperson said it was the responsibility of landholders to manage pests on their properties, with the Hills Fleurieu Landscape Board available to provide advice.
However, they said DEW was currently exploring new partnerships to help manage little corellas, acknowledging it was a Statewide issue that would benefit from a more collaborative response.
“DEW ... is exploring opportunities with potential partners to trial coordinated regional-scale management approaches,” they said.
SA’s Department for Primary Industries and regions (PIRSA) is developing a new bait that targets little corellas, in a bid to reduce their impacts on grain producers.
According to PIRSA, a “new strategy, tools and approach” is needed to manage the pest and it hopes developing a new bait would help reduce the damage to infrastructure and the environment and boost productivity and communities’ wellbeing.
Mt Barker Council manager health and public safety Jamie Tann said the birds were not a significant issue in the district but that there was a flock at Keith Stephenson Park being monitored by the council.
