Bullet for bird scare

By Melissa Meehan
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges is proposing to include provisions in its local laws to control electronic bird-scaring and other noise-generating devices used for crop protection.
Councillor Graham Warren said the shire recognised that there were differing opinions about the use of noise-generating devices and there would be community consultation before any amendment was introduced.
“Obviously it would be virtually impossible for the council to gain everyone’s agreement about the local law’s provisions, so that’s not the aim,” Cr Warren said.
“What we do want to achieve is to consider as many views as possible on this issue, to help us make a decision which permits the ‘reasonable’ use of these devices, while having regard for their impact on nearby residents.”
Played through a loudspeaker, noise-generating electronic bird-scaring devices amplify the sounds of distressed animals and birds to discourage native and exotic birds from damaging crops.
These devices are often used as an alternative to scare guns and are considerably cheaper than bird netting.
“Although these devices are effective for deterring birds, the noise can impact on neighbouring residents,” Cr Warren said.
“It’s very similar to the situation with scare guns, which led to the shire introducing a local law to control the use of these devices in the shire,” Cr Warren said.
“The shire is now proposing to amend the local law to include a provision to regulate the use of electronic bird-scaring and similar devices.”
Information about the proposed controls to be included in the amendment can be viewed at the shire’s Community Links or on the shire’s website: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au (go to “Local Laws – Proposed Amendment to the Scare Gun Control Local Law 2002”).
The shire is encouraging written submissions from the community during a six-week period from 12 May to 23 June.
There will also be a further opportunity to make a written submission or an oral presentation on the draft local law at a council meeting.
For more information about the proposed amendment, contact the shire on 1300 368 333.