Dandenong residents outraged over seagulls invasion
Seagulls are continuing to wreak havoc in Dandenong, despite a three-year battle, and it seems not even ultraviolet rays that mimic fire can stop the “flying kamikazes”. However, the council says the war can be won but it needs your help.
South East
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Thousands of seagulls are invading Dandenong and wreaking havoc, with disgusted residents urging the council to “urgently fix” the problem.
Dandenong Market and nearby city centre shopping and eating strips have become a magnet for the birds.
One angry local said she was fed up with what she calls “flying kamikazes”.
“They are a complete nuisance. When we drive anywhere in Dandenong – the seagulls are flying around and they fly right down low in front of cars – it’s so dangerous.”
“It’s only a matter of time before they cause a serious accident,.” Julieanne, who didn’t want her surname used, said.
In 2017 Greater Dandenong Council put ultraviolet lights that mimic fire in the eyes of birds on top of tall buildings in a bid to scare off the seagull invaders.
The systems are designed to emit intense light that birds interpret in the same way humans visualise fire but local fear the effort has failed.
Dandenong man Simon Preest said an influx of black crows had joined the gulls in pecking open bags of rubbish on the streets.
“I can see they’re a problem, particularly around the market and stand-alone Coles where there’s food scraps,” Mr Preest said.
“Perhaps we need a humungous bird net to encase the entire Dandenong CBD.”
Labor Federal Member for Bruce, Julian Hill said people had raised their concerns with him about nuisance seagulls and other birds around the market and shops.
“Visitors getting off at the station would think they’ve arrived at the beach judging by the seagull noise and droppings,” he said.
“I’ve raised with the council a number of times and they are trying hard to solve a very complex problem, but I do hope that something more can be done.”
Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie said as well as the ultraviolet lights, the council had worked with other building owners and businesses in central Dandenong to encourage measures preventing birds nesting on rooftops, including the installation of netting.
But he said the best way to reduce the number of birds was to cut off their food supply.
He urged locals to dispose of food waste responsibly and to secure bins.
“If you notice anyone feeding the birds you should report this activity to Council immediately,” Mr Bennie said.
He said residents could prevent birds from nesting on their properties by covering any flat open spaces and checking for nests in places like uncovered boats and trailers.
“The collective efforts of council and the community appear to be having an effect, with bird numbers appearing to be down when compared to this time last year,” Mr Benni said.
Nigel Williamson, from Nigel’s Animal Rescue, said Dandenong was a “hotspot” for seagulls.
“There’s lots of tall buildings- they like to nest on the top of flat roofs,” Mr Williamson said.
“Dandenong is also a major food hub and they’re attracted to places where there’s lots of food scraps.”
But he said he disagreed with netting on roofs as a solution.
“There’s plenty of buildings with nets in Dandenong but this can cause great harm to the birds if they get stuck and they can deteriorate overtime.”
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Mr Williamson said, despite the common complaint, there wasn’t a “crow problem” in Victoria.
“People are mistaking them for the Australian raven — they’re harmless. They will only swoop people during breeding season.”
Seagulls are protected under the Victorian Wildlife Act but permits can be sought to cull the birds.