AN introduced breed of cockatoo that has caused division within the Bunbury community in the past it set to be culled by the City of Bunbury.
The City has announced the start of its corella control program in a bid to reduce pest numbers throughout Bunbury.
Corellas are a breed of cockatoo introduced from the eastern states and now frequent the South West of WA.
They are noted for flocking together in large groups and for their distinct sound.
Corella numbers have swelled in recent years and carry diseases making them a pest.
The Bunbury Mail has reported complaints from residents about the loud noise the birds make in large numbers and the destruction they leave behind to trees and infrastructure.
In 2011, a large flock of the birds descended on an Anzac Day ceremony and disturbed the commemorations.
But some residents had been opposed the idea of culling the birds.
The City’s control program will aim to attract the birds to the City of Bunbury Depot on Nuytsia Avenue before trapping and humanely euthanising them.
An automated grain feeder will be used to attract the birds in order to establish a predictable feeding pattern at the site.
Once a sufficient number of birds – more than 100 – are regularly attending the site a trapping and euthanasia schedule will begin.
Several trapping events are expected to take place before the end of the 2014/15 financial year.
Planning, development and regulatory services Director Bob Karaszkewych said the corellas need to be attracted to the site, as soon as possible.
“The birds are currently congregating in large flocks and establishing new seasonal feeding patterns,” Mr Karaszkewych said.
“A delay may result in the birds seek alternative feeding sites and poor attendance at the preferred trapping zones.”
It will take about two months to establish a feeding pattern at the Depot.
The City took over the controlling of corellas numbers after the Department of Parks and Wildlife ceased its own program due to funding cuts.
Have your say. What do you think of the City of Bunbury's plans to control corella numbers in our community? Email editor.bunburymail@fairfaxmedia.com.au