Valley GM in a flap over park bird cull

THE general manager of the Derwent Valley Council has stepped aside from his role while an investigation is launched into the controversial bird cull at New Norfolk.

Greg Winton told Mayor Ben Shaw he would be stepping aside on Tuesday night to “reduce suggestions of conflict of interest or undue influence being made”.

Cr Shaw yesterday said he would appoint an acting general manager soon.

“The general manager authorised the commissioning of an independent review of the decisions that led to the geese and ducks being culled at Tynwald Park with the findings to be presented to council,” Cr Shaw said. “I would hope that this report will be completed by the end of the month.”

The cull came after public complaints about excessive bird poo and damage to sports fields. The independent probe will determine how a plan to sedate and relocate geese turned into a deliberate poisoning operation, in which 14 geese, two ducks and a number of plovers were killed by chemically laced baits.

RSPCA Tasmania chief executive officer Andrew Byrne yesterday labelled the “indiscriminate poisoning” inhumane. “Poisoning should be the last option really, it’s not a nice way to die” Dr Byrne said.

“In most cases, the most humane way to kill a bird is using marksmen who know how to shoot an animal effectively and kill them very quickly. But it’s just crazy to think we’re killing off animals because of bird poo. It’s the worst excuse for a poor animal welfare outcome.”

Dr Byrne said the cull would not provide a long-term fix to the problem. “It’s short-term solution and it’s not a very desirable one,” he said. “It’s an archaic way to deal with the problem. Either relocate them or accept the fact that these beautiful animals are there.”