Pigeons flying under the radar no longer
TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has had to implement new laws to deal with homing pigeons around the Toowoomba City Aerodrome.
The council’s infrastructure spokesman James O’Shea said the laws were needed following several safety incidents involving pigeons.
“In 2012-13 Toowoomba City Aerodrome had difficulties dealing with homing pigeons that were released for daily exercise directly beneath the approach to runway 11,” Cr O’Shea said.
“The issue was overcome through existing laws however a change the new Local Law no.6 (aerodromes) will give more clarity on dealing with similar situations in the future.
“In the case of the homing pigeons, proactive management in accordance with council’s safety management systems stopped any pigeons from being harmed or flights delayed. Council also negotiated with the owner of the pigeons to avoid any safety issues for aircraft or pigeons.”
Cr O’Shea said Queensland Government had recently approved the laws which were prepared to better align with the current operating environment and management practices of aerodromes controlled by the council.
“The new local law went to public consultation which included the Toowoomba and District Pigeon Federation. Council also looked at other local government laws for similar sized aerodromes,” he said.
“With more than 25,000 aircraft movements per year, the Toowoomba City Aerodrome is vital to the general aviation sector of the Darling Downs region and further afield.”