THE City of Greater Bendigo council will spend at least $200,000 to fix the toxic bird problem at Eaglehawk’s Lake Neangar. The money will be revealed in the council’s draft budget, expected to be handed down by the end of the month. The Bendigo Weekly understands money for the plan is assured, despite budget negotiations still being under way. The money will be used to provide a solution, possibly the creation of a large wetland, to fix the smelly, unsightly and potentially-dangerous infestation of ibis on the lake’s island. A community campaign began in February urging authorities to take action. The Weekly revealed the stench from the birds’ droppings was forcing nearby residents to close their doors and windows and some locals were even refusing to walk around the lake. Others were wearing handkerchiefs around their faces when they passed the near-side of the island, and some locals had concerns about the potential health effects of airborne droppings and dust. For four years the Department of Sustainability and Environment had not let the council take any action on the issue, pointing to the protected nature of the ibis. However, the public debate led to negotiations re-opening and an easing of the DSE’s position. Council Presentation and Assets director Jos Duivenvoorden said the draft budget would put “a couple of hundred thousand dollars” towards improving the situation. “We need to look at the situation and what to do without destroying the sacred ibis sites,” he said. “They are a protected species so we can’t just bulldoze them out. “One of the choices we are looking at is creating a wetland between the island and the shore and having some sort of connection there.” Creating a small connection to the shore would enable other animals to access the island, including some natural predators, which could limit the destructive nature of the birds. “We have to negotiate with the DSE to ensure we don’t destroy or work at the same time as they are breeding,” Mr Duivenvoorden said. “We have to find a way to manage it.” Nearby resident Derek Peters was one local who spoke out about the stench. He was happy the problem was closer to being fixed. “That sounds like a solution,” he said. “At least it is a response. It is the first real one we have had from any organisation.” Mr Duivenvoorden thanked the community and the Weekly for the campaign. “The reason this came through at all is because of the work you guys have done,” he said. “The pressure of the media helped to bring it to a head and acknowledged there was a problem.”
