MOUNT Gambier City Council is investigating the use of lasers at Blue Lake Sports Park to combat damage caused by flocks of corellas.
During this month’s council meeting, councillor Christian Greco questioned what actions council was taking to mitigate grass damage at council-owned sporting venues.
Cr Greco said clubs and groups which use Blue Lake Sports Park had raised the issue, as well as other venues.
Council infrastructure general manager Nick Serle said each summer the species caused issues in the city and discussions continued on how to prevent damage.
A “pepper spray“ has been developed by a local supplier, which Mr Serle said didn’t harm the birds, and has been successfully implemented at BLSP baseball grounds.
Mr Serle said a cricket pitch, placed late last year, was damaged and council had supplied information on how to buy the spray and apply it to the association.
“I went and had a look at the pitch earlier today and it’s in quite good condition,“ he said.
Mr Serle said the pepper spray did not have the same impact on synthetic turf and Blue Lake Sports park hockey facilities were experiencing issues, with council exploring lasers as a protection device.
“Hopefully the laser bird scarer will work there and will actually be something council can provide,“ Mr Serle said.
“We have gas gun scarers, but the birds get used to that and have them available to clubs, but perhaps if this laser scarer works, council may be able to purchase some in the future and have them available to the clubs.“
