Wollongong City Council today launched its Wollongong Indian Myna Bird Action Program at the Corrimal Community Men’s Shed at 1pm.

Council in consultation with the Pest Animal Advisory Group has identified the common or Indian Myna Bird as being a pest under Council’s Vertebrae Pest Policy, due to the abundance of the birds within the region and their impact on native wildlife, human health and the environment.

As a result, Council is working with the community, animal welfare agencies and government to assist residents in reducing the impact of Indian Myna Birds on private land through the implementation of the Wollongong Indian Myna Bird Action Program.

Director of Planning and Environment, Andrew Carfield, said the program has been designed to engage residents through a community based program that includes the participation of the Corrimal Community Men’s Shed.

“Indian Myna Birds are becoming a nuisance in the community, through the program residents can now learn how to effectively reduce Indian Myna Birds numbers on their property,” said Mr Carfield.

“The program has three broad aims: to reduce the breeding, feeding and roosting of Indian Myna Birds, to conduct a humane trapping program and to monitor Indian Myna Birds in our region.”

“Participants in the Indian Myna Bird Action Program, will attend a free short workshop (approximately 1 hour) where bird identification, trap management strategies, animal welfare protocols and monitoring will be explained,” Mr Carfield said.

“Traps purchased as part of this program from the Corrimal Community Men’s Shed will cost $50. The community should note that there may be some wait times for workshops, as each workshop hosts approximately 20 people,” added Mr Carfield.

To register for the program call Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4227 7111.

For more information about the Indian Myna Bird Action Program visit Council’s website at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or pick up a brochure from one of Council’s branch libraries or the Customer Service Centre located at 41 Burelli Street.