IT’S been a problem for many years.
Her fence chewed and her house extensively damaged by cockatoos – Upwey resident Kaz McKay took things into her own hands in 2009 and has applauded the Yarra Ranges Council for standing up in 2013.
Ms McKay says she hopes the community gets behind the council’s plans to ban feeding cockatoos.
“In 2009 there were thousands of residents affected by the damage brought on by cockatoos in the area,” Ms McKay said.
“So I called a public meeting back then and it was the largest public meeting held in the area in history.
“I also was successful in getting a key insurance company to pay on claims for damage caused by cockatoos.”
Ms McKay said it was important all residents had a voice and got behind the plan.
“Obviously it’s critical that these bylaws are made,” she said.
“Unless there is a change in attitude about feeding birds in the hills we risk the likelihood of damage being ongoing or even escalating.”
Ms McKay said the proposed plan was essential for the hills and also the health of the birds.
“It’s not in their best interests either, if they are fed they don’t forage and if they don’t forage they can’t sharpen their beaks which is why they go damaging property,” she said.
“I urge people in the hills to let the council know they support the idea.”
