Bird scare fear

By Tania Martin
A WANDIN cherry farmer fears continued complaints over the use of sonic bird scaring devices will see them outlawed.
John Caccaviello last week called for assurances from the Shire of Yarra Ranges that the boundaries on the use of the devices wouldn’t be changed.
He fears his ability to farm will be at risk if the sonic bird scarers are outlawed.
In 2002 the use of gas-powered bird scaring guns was outlawed under new local law regulations.
Mr Caccaviello said every time farmers find a way to protect their crops the boundaries are moved.
Mr Caccaviello said for many years the use of gas powered scare guns was an approved method of protecting crops until people started complaining about the noise.
“Our problems started when bed and breakfast (B&B) businesses started moving into the area, which led to complaints about the noise,” he said.
“We used gas guns for many years and then a B&B moved in across the road and started complaining about the noise – that’s when they change the bylaws.”
Mr Caccaviello said after the new bylaws were introduced he turned to using electronic scaring devices.
This season the Caccaviellos have used sonic bird scarers, which make bird prey noises, but again they have faced complaints from neighbours.
They fear that if people continue to complain then the sonic bird scarers will also be outlawed.
Mr Caccaviello said the sonic devices come on at 5.45am and turn off at 6pm so they are not running overnight, and he fails to see how they could be creating a problem for his neighbours.
He said they go off every seven to eight minutes for six or seven seconds and make 12 different birds of prey noises such as an eagle or hawk call.
Mr Caccaviello said, as the Yarra Valley becomes more urbanised, farmers are getting pushed out.
“Where we go from here depends on the shire and what sort of guarantee they can give us on the boundaries not changing again next season,” he said.
“I don’t know what we are going to do next season if we can’t use the sonic scaring devices.”
Mr Caccaviello said he doesn’t understand that the noise could be such a problem when the cherry season only runs for eight weeks of the year.
“For 44 weeks of the year our neighbours don’t hear anything from us.”
Chandler Ward councillor Graham Warren said the issues farmers are facing with the urban growth in rural areas is something that the council needs to deal with.
Cr Warren said the council is very supportive of farmers’ rights, especially when it comes to protecting their crops.
“Don’t think your voice isn’t heard – it’s a concern for the council with the pressure of urbanisation moving further into rural areas.”
Mr Caccaviello has also questioned what the council is going to do for farmers to allow them to protect their crops and farms.
The council has agreed to set up a meeting with Mr Caccaviello to discuss his concerns about the continued use of sonic bird scarers.