Light blasters put seagulls under fire

A $60,000 light system could send seagulls packing from Dandenong’s CBD.
Greater Dandenong Council will install UV exclusion systems on top of the Dandenong Civic Centre, the Drum Theatre and the Thomas and Walker street multi-deck car parks.
City planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said Tullamarine Airport and the new Epping Fruit Market had successfully used the same solar-operated systems.
“These systems are designed to emit intense light that birds interpret in the same way humans visualise fire,” he said.
“The birds don’t like it and therefore stay away. This is a permanent and long-term solution to the seagull problem.”
Mr Bosman said the measure would cost between $45,000 and $60,000.
He said the council would remove any nests found on council buildings at the end of the current breeding season and would thoroughly clean those areas.
Mayor Jim Memeti said access to food and breeding sites appeared to be the main reason for the recent increase in seagull numbers.
He said the council was working with business owners in the central activity district to educate them about practical ways they could help reduce the problem.
“We need to ensure that any potential food sources, including waste, are removed,” Cr Memeti said.
“Council is also asking business owners to check their properties to ensure they limit any access to potential breeding areas in roof spaces and eaves.”
Cr Memeti said everyone had a role to play in reducing the number of seagulls in central Dandenong.
“I implore all members of the public to stop feeding birds in public places,” he said.
“It is not good for their health and it is not good for the local amenity.”
He said council officers would be issuing formal notices to people who fed birds, left food waste uncovered or food bins overflowing.