Suspicious bird deaths under investigation

By Nicola Ceccato

Jan 10, 2025

Dead little corellas in Nine Mile Creek. Photo by Megan Fisher

The suspicious deaths of dozens of birds in Wunghnu has caused a stir among residents.

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Earlier this week, The News was told about the deaths of dozens of little corellas at Nine Mile Creek in Wunghnu.

On a private Wunghnu residents’ Facebook page, locals have expressed their shock and disappointment over the incident, with many sharing concern that the birds had been poisoned.

Many of the residents commented, saying they noticed the dead birds in and around the creek area, with some even saying they found dead birds in their backyards.

The News contacted the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to check whether the incident had been reported.

A Victorian Government spokesperson confirmed the department was aware of the issue.

One of the little corellas, floating in the creek. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Authorised officers from the Conservation Regulator and animal health officers from Agriculture Victoria have attended Nine Mile Creek near Wunghnu, north-east Victoria, in relation to the death of a large number of little corellas,” the spokesperson said.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.”

According to the DEECA website, the little corella species has increased in population across Victoria and with that, so has the impact the native birds have had on agriculture, infrastructure and community.

This has caused tensions among communities over how best to manage corellas to protect assets.

The government has developed a 10-year Victorian Corella Strategy, which outlines the best practice options for managing the impacts of corellas.

However, many Wunghnu residents are worried that someone has taken the matter into their own hands.

Residents writing on the Facebook page also spoke of concerns around animal cruelty and the potential danger posed to pets by poisoned birds lying on the ground.

The News asked DEECA how many birds were collected from the area and was advised that only a few were collected for samples, and that the removal of the birds was up to Moira Shire Council.

The birds have been found in and around the creek area, with some residents saying they have seen them in their own backyards nearby. Photo by Megan Fisher

Council told The News it had been working to remove the dead birds.

“Council has been working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to support their investigation into multiple corella deaths at Wunghnu,” a council spokesperson said.

“We were notified of the deaths on Wednesday (January 8) and we sent officers to the site to assess later that afternoon.

“We’ll continue working with DEECA as required.”

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.