Home / Environment / Council Kills Bird Haven with Weed Killer
Council Kills Bird Haven with Weed Killer
25 Feb
Summary
- Council sprayed a 50m stretch of roadside verge with weed killer.
- A biologist claims the sprayed grass was a vital pigeon breeding ground.
- Council officers stated they are trained to identify declared weed species.
Litchfield Council has been criticized for spraying a 50-meter roadside verge in Darwin River with the weed killer Glyphosate on February 12. The action has angered a local biologist and wildlife author, Dr. Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow, who states the sprayed vegetation was not gamba grass but native spear grass. She claims this area served as a critical breeding ground for partridge pigeons.
Dr. Goodfellow, a resident since 1975, presented evidence of a substantial partridge pigeon population, including nests with chicks found in previous years, indicating a sustainable habitat. She emphasized that the native spear grass was only about 1.5 meters high and not problematic, questioning why nearby gamba grass clumps were left untouched.
Geoff Thomas, Litchfield Council's Director of Infrastructure and Operations, confirmed that a small amount of spear grass was sprayed but insisted the primary target was gamba grass. He stated that council officers receive training in identifying declared weed species, including gamba grass, and differentiating them from native grasses.
The council maintains its commitment to managing native flora habitats while fulfilling its operational obligations. Mr. Thomas added that residents can request their adjacent verges be added to a 'no spraying' or 'no mowing' register if they are willing to undertake maintenance themselves.
