Silence on bird deaths
SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2019 themercury.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 696 397 AN independent investigation into the deaths of birds at a New Norfolk park has wrapped up — but the council at the centre of the scandal says it has been told to stay quiet on the findings.
Derwent Valley Council acting general manager Daniel Smee yesterday said the investigation into last month’s poisoning of birdlife at Tynwald Park had highlighted the need for improved internal communications.
But he said legal advice given to the council meant it could not comment further on the probe into the deaths of the 14 geese, two ducks and several plovers.
“The independent review was undertaken to provide transparency and answers to the community, and we would have liked to say more for everyone concerned,” Mr Smee said.
“It is unfortunate that we are unable to provide the level of detail expected by the community but we must allow the appropriate processes to be undertaken and respect the strong advice we have received from our legal advisers.”
Council members and staff were briefed on the investigation outcome on Thursday night. Mr Smee said the council would work on improving internal communications, and that “appropriate measures” had been undertaken to ensure the safety of Tynwald Park.
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment investigation was ongoing, according to an agency spokeswoman.
“Staff from Biosecurity Tasmania and Wildlife Operations are jointly conducting the investigation into the bird deaths at Tynwald Park, and as the investigation is ongoing it’s inappropriate for further comment at this stage,” she said.
Derwent Valley Council general manager Greg Winton stood down while the councilinitiated independent investigation was completed.
The probe was to determine how a plan to sedate and relocate geese turned into a deliberate poisoning operation, in which the geese, ducks and plovers were killed by chemically laced baits. The poisoning occurred after complaints to the council about bird poo.