Latest update on the Collinsville Qld. bird deaths.
Bowen Independent 25 August 2000.
Bowen Shire Council is awaiting the results of the analysis of a number of
birds taken from the Collinsville refuse site by Dept. of Parks and Wildlife
officers from Townsville.
Early indications are that a chemical may have caused the deaths. A common
chemical, Fenthion, was responsible for bird deaths in the
Collinsville/Scottville area at this time last year.
The Mayor, Councillor Mike Brunker, said advice received from the Dept. of
Parks and Wildlife indicated that it is not an exotic disease, but again a
poisoning incident. ?It is unfortunate that a number of birds have died and
I know that members of the Collinsville community have spent countless hours
attempting to save many birds.? Cr Brunker said.
Council has passed the incident at the tip to the wildlife experts from
Townsville and had been hoping for an early solution to the problem.
?Council has recognised the problem associated with the Collinsville tip
site and has prepared a design for a new transfer station on the Scottville
Road. ?As soon as we can the Collinsville tip site will be closed and
capped. With a transfer station council will be better able to control
wastes deposited and this waste will be regularly removed for burial in
Bowen.
?At this point in time, we can only hope that the Townsville wildlife
officers can solve the bird death poisonings to stop further bird losses?.
Cr Brunker said.
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious when disposing
of any chemicals and in all cases should heed the manufacturer?s warning
label. Disposal of any chemical at the tip site is generally not a
recommended practice and as has happened in this case causes the death of
innocent wildlife.
Any enquiries should be directed to council?s health and environmental
services section on 07 4786 0633. End.
A total of 160+ birds have died so far this year with 25 birds currently
responding to care. Species include diurnal raptors and scavengers such as
Torresian Crow and Ibis. All bird deaths so far this year have been centred
on the Collinsville tip site.
Jon Wren
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