Media Release

29 October 2021

Naracoorte Lucindale Council will begin its annual Little Corella Management Program from early November 2021.

The Little Corella has caused significant problems in the Naracoorte township over the years, particularly around the Naracoorte Swimming Lake, Wortley Oval and Memorial Parklands, where the birds are attracted to the habitat of the areas. In 2020, they caused considerable damage to the Naracoorte Cricket Oval and artificial turf.

The Little Corella is a native bird species which is listed as ‘unprotected’ in South Australia. The mostly white birds with a pale rose-pink patch between the eyes and bill can have a harmful impact on the State from an economic, social and environmental perspective by:

• Stripping the leaves off river red gums or other native and ornamental trees that they roost in
• Damaging tarpaulins covering grain bunkers, and wiring and flashing on buildings
• Taking grain from newly-seeded paddocks
• Creating a noise nuisance for local residents

Council has tried numerous methods to manage the Little Corella problem in the past, such as bird-scaring devices, lasers, fake birds and also shooting in an attempt to deter them from being in and around Naracoorte. The preferred and most effective method of control by Council has been shooting the birds to reduce numbers.

Selective shooting of birds will occur throughout the 2021-2022 summer season in the Naracoorte township if Little Corellas become established here. For best results, shooting will generally be performed early in the morning and in the evening. Council staff will use suitably-qualified shooters to undertake regular shooting from early next month through to April to minimise damage to Council and community infrastructure.

Council has obtained the appropriate permits to undertake the Little Corella Management Program.

A page has been set up on Council’s Your Say website www.yoursay.naracoortelucindale.sa.gov.au with further information as well as a guest book for comments.