Coorong council will cull corellas if necessary

The native birds are again becoming a problem at Tailem Bend, Wellington East and other towns.

Peri Strathearn

Feb 19, 2024 — 1 min read

Corellas are native to Australia, but have only more recently begun to plague river communities in significant numbers. Photo: Getty Images.

Bird-scarers and, if necessary, culling will be used to protect Tailem Bend and Wellington East from corellas this summer.

The Coorong council announced as much earlier this month.

Mayor Paul Simmons said little corellas found the Lower Murray the perfect place to live – which was fine until they started causing serious damage to trees, parks and sporting grounds.

“Little corellas have a significant impact on our community and environment, causing extensive damage and destruction to trees, reserves and infrastructure,” he said.

“The management of the little corellas is complex and emotive, and each year council continues to monitor and implement appropriate control measures when appropriate.”

He advised residents living near known corella hangouts, and particularly those with pets or young children, that portable gas guns and firearms might be used from 7am at times.

Council-trained staff will also undertake corella control activities at Coonalpyn and Meningie.

Corellas are native to Australia, but traditionally stayed in the outback year-round until the second half of the 20th century, when human settlement created more appealing habitat for them across the state, according to the Department for Environment and Water.

Towns around the Murraylands have experienced problems with them in recent years, including the regular destruction of Murray Bridge’s lawn tennis courts.