However, council also admitted it had not conducted a formal population count or ongoing monitoring program, and as a result it could not reliably determine whether corella numbers were improving, remaining stable or worsening.
"Corella numbers can vary considerably depending on seasonal conditions, food availability and bird movements," council said.
It acknowledged large congregations of corellas can create significant amenity issues for residents, including excessive noise, droppings, damage to trees and infrastructure, and impacts on the use and enjoyment of both public and private spaces.
However, it stopped short of classifying the situation as a significant environmental or public health issue, saying there had been no formal assessment or advice from relevant government agencies to support such a determination.
The response comes amid ongoing community frustration that stretches back several years.
Letters published more than four years ago highlighted widespread concerns from residents in both Tocumwal and Finley, who reported extensive damage to trees, lawns and private property, as well as ongoing noise and mess.
At the time, Tocumwal residents Gary Mexted and David and Carolyn Salter, along with Finley resident Pamela Angove, described defoliated trees, blocked gutters, infrastructure damage and concerns about the potential impact on tourism.
Mr Mexted suggested grain storage facilities north-west of Tocumwal may have been contributing to the high corella numbers, while others questioned what could be done to reduce populations and protect established trees.
Community sentiment was also reflected in survey results from the time, with a significant majority of respondents viewing corellas as a problem in local towns.
In his latest letter on the subject (see page 4), Mr Mexted said he believed “nothing practical” has been done to address the corella issues, and said “council must act”.
Council confirmed it was aware permits would be required for any culling or other lethal control measures involving protected native birds, and it had not applied for any such permits.
Instead, council has explored non-lethal management options.
Council also revealed that while it had reached out to the relevant NSW Government wildlife authorities it had not “received a response that provides specific advice or a practical management solution for the corella population in Tocumwal”.
Council says “the protected status of corellas, regulatory requirements, practical limitations within built-up areas and the considerable cost of alternative approaches” continue to limit the actions available.
For now, council says it will “continue investigating reasonable management options and advocating to the NSW Government for greater assistance and more practical measures to address the impacts associated with large numbers of corellas”.
26°C