Cull an option as exploding corella population takes toll on trees

Alex de Vos
Authorities could resort to culling hundreds of native birds threatening Torquay’s iconic Norfolk Island pine trees.
Residents have complained the corellas are also damaging houses and fences on properties adjacent to The Esplanade and Taylor Park.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s chief executive officer David Clarke said the population of corellas in central Torquay had increased in the past year.
The committee, which manages Surf Coast foreshore, had spoken to Department of Sustainability and Environment about the plague proportion of birds, Mr Clarke said.
“They’re causing some damage to the new growth but the trees aren’t in danger of dying.
“The trees have been suffering from corella damage for some time and we’ve had them inspected.”
Mr Clarke, who announced his resignation last week, said the committee was considering a range of options including a cull.
“The options are to scare the corellas away or culling by a permit but we don’t want to have to do it.”
Mr Clarke ruled out removal of the damaged pines along Torquay’s Front Beach.
“The trees are an important part of the Front Beach vista and provide shade, so they won’t be removed,” Mr Clarke said.
“We’re keeping a watching brief at the moment and if it gets dramatically worse then we’ll have a look at them.”