UV lights to fight Dandenong’s seagull invasion, but expert says it’s a waste of money
A MELBOURNE council will try to scare off the thousands of birds that have invaded a suburb. They are using a hi-tech approach but an expert says they are gullible if they think it will work.
South East
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ULTRA violet lights that mimic fire in the eyes of birds will be used in a bid to scare the thousands of seagulls that have invaded Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong Council said it would install “UV exclusion systems” on four of the city’s tall buildings.
City planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the system had proven successful at Tullamarine Airport and the new Epping Fruit Market.
“These systems are designed to emit intense light that birds interpret in the same way humans visualise fire,” he said.
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“The birds don’t like it and therefore stay away. This is a permanent and long-term solution to the seagull problem.”
However, wildlife management consultant Ian Temby has labelled the move a “total waste of time and money”.
Mr Temby, who has worked with Kingston, Bayside, Frankston and Bendigo councils on their gull issues, said he did his masters on evaluating seagull deterrents.
“Based on (what has been described) that kind of approach is most unlikely to work,” Mr Temby said.
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“I’d be incredibly surprised if it had any effect beyond an initial day or two.
“Actual physical exclusion by putting up netting works and not much else does.”
Seagull droppings can corrode a metal roof and halve its life, and their nesting can block guttering, while droppings and dead chicks create a foul smell.
Mr Temby and the council agree that removing food sources for the birds was an effective means of solving the issue.
Mayor Jim Memeti said the council was educating business on removing potential food sources and he pleaded with the public to stop feeding the birds.
“I implore all members of the public to stop feeding birds in public places,” he said.
“It is not good for their health and it is not good for the local amenity.”
Council officers will be issuing formal notices to people who feed birds, leave food waste uncovered or food bins overflowing and repeat offenders could be fined up to $155.
Mr Bosman said at the end of the current breeding season the council would also remove any nests found on council buildings and thoroughly clean those areas.
Seagulls are protected under the Victorian Wildlife Act but permits can be sought to cull the birds.