THE island in the middle of Lake Neangar was built purely as a place to dump weeds, rather than for any environmental benefits.
The island has become overrun with ibis and silver gulls, that have denuded it of any grass or plants and created a stench that has angered
local residents.
The City of Greater Bendigo council is unable to take any action because the birds are protected, as are their nests and habitat.
However creating a haven for birds was the last thing on the minds of workers and the former Borough of Eaglehawk council when began created the island almost 30 years ago on February 28, 1978.
Eaglehawk resident John Brook was in charge of the bulldozer during that fortnight, charged with ridding the lake and its surrounds of a cumbungi grass infestation.
“It was a bigger job than they thought, and the council couldn’t afford to have it all trucked away,” he said.
“After some discussion it was decided we would bulldoze it all in a heap and cover it with dirt.
“We deepened the lake along Simpson’s Road and put it (the dirt) over the cumbungi.
“The island was put there because the council couldn’t afford the cost of carting the cumbungi away.”
Mr Brook was adamant the bird problem didn’t exist before the island did, even though the tip was well established.
“Once the vegetation appeared on it, it attracted the birds,” he said.
“We definitely didn’t have a bird problem before the island.
“Then the tip became a regional one and it has become worse.”
Mr Brook was also responsible for building the island in the middle of neighbouring Lake Tom Thumb.
“That island is covering up the mine under the lake,” he said.
“One thing is for sure, the cumbungi grass has never come back. It did the job.”