‘No quick-fix’: corellas could cause headaches in Geraldton for years

It seems nothing, not even COVID-19, can stop the corellas. Time appears the only ‘fixer’ as the pesky high-fliers have dodged everyone and everything to remain the kings and queens of the air. And there’s no end in sight, or sound, as the City of Greater Geraldton issued a warning: the screechers will be around for years. “This is a long-term problem, there is no quick-fix,” City chief executive Ross McKim said. “They are changing their traditional locations and creating issues elsewhere. “Going by what’s happened in other areas of Australia, it’s going to take years to reduce the activity levels of the corellas. “We recognise they are an increasing problem and nuisance to infrastructure and trees, including Norfolk Island pines.” In recent weeks, the corellas have reappeared in large numbers — despite a wide-ranging management program implemented last year to rid them. A range of management actions — including control, dispersal, advocacy, community education, on-site advice and habitat modifications — was implemented. But everything failed. A corella management group was formed, but was put on hold when COVID-19 hit.