Redland City Council is appealing to the community to help prevent ongoing vandalism of bird exclusion netting at the Victoria Point ferry terminal.
Deliberately damaging public assets is an offence and can result in additional repair costs to Council and the community.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said Council took vandalism very seriously and urged the community to report such acts to Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Council is aware of a recent online video showing a swallow on the inside of the netting at the Victoria Point terminal,” Cr Talty said.
“Following an investigation, Council identified deliberate cuts/tears in the net made by vandals were the likely cause for the bird entering the roof space behind the netting.
“This incident was not the result of an issue with the exclusion netting, which is designed with a specific mesh size to prevent birds from entering.
“The swallow was freed from the roof space, the netting at the terminal was repaired, and the vandalism was reported to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for investigation.”
Over the Redlands Coast long weekend of August 8 to 10, the netting at the Victoria Point terminal was again vandalised.
Bird exclusion netting was installed at Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island ferry terminals earlier this year and was carried out by an approved contractor in line with relevant guidelines. No birds were present in the work area at the time it was installed.
Structures such as ferry terminals are not natural bird habitat and installing netting under the roof is aimed at safely and proactively maintaining a clean environment for the community and protecting the terminal structure from degradation caused by droppings.
Exclusion netting is only considered at terminals where bird nesting and roosting are common.
While birds becoming trapped behind the netting is highly unlikely, the community is also encouraged to report any incidents to Council immediately on 3829 8999 so officers can attend as soon as possible.
