Port Pirie is on the frontlines of this troubling trend with almost 100 SA Health workers being moved. This extreme action follows the ongoing pigeon plague that has plagued the block for the last half year. The infestation of the health building has caused moves to temporarily halt operations inside the building. It’s had a devastating financial impact on local businesses. Pigeons are further contributing to the issue, as they’re regularly found roosting on rooftops and verandahs throughout the town.
Few, if any, have suffered more than local bakery owner Emily Nguyen. In her case, pigeons have started roosting under the roof ridge and on the solar panels of her new building that they’re causing significant damage. She’s already spent $30,000 replacing her damaged solar panels. This sum covers $30,000 for new panels, $700 to shroud them, and $300 to clean up afterward. Nguyen’s plight sheds light on a much larger issue that many local businesses have been faced with from the invasion of pigeons.
Pigeons as a Persistent Problem
The issue of pigeons in Port Pirie has been around for over a year. During these past two years, municipal governments have slaughtered more than 22,000 pigeons in the futile hope of reducing their numbers. These efforts have done little to stop the drastic decline of our avian community. This is particularly the case near silos, which draw birds in thanks to their plentiful food source. As Mayor Leon Stephans explained, the threat to tourism outweighs any public health concern or danger caused by pigeons. He’s encouraging the state government to fund eradication efforts.
Roger Kirchner, chief executive of the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, did not deny reports of the pigeon infestation. It made a huge difference in the creativity and process throughout the 4th floor of the health building. He noted that it was staffers who sounded the alarm on the issue. So, they needed to move to more safe and healthy conditions. Even with today’s disaster standards, the health network expects that the building’s previous ground floor will be operational again “in the near-term future.”
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
The field of bugs has become more than just an ugly nuisance flooding the Internet, it represents a costly burden on establishments including Nguyen’s pastry shop. The significant impact is leading to serious questions about how local economies can survive such troublesome pests. Port Pirie’s ambition should come with caution. Nguyen’s experience should be a warning to businesses in Port Pirie. It underscores the great financial risk of choosing to ignore pest control.
To Mayor Stephens, this is an issue that calls for further immediate action from the state level. Without the right funding to tackle these eradication efforts, he argues that local businesses will keep losing money. Residents and business owners alike have become anxious about the long-term viability of their homes and businesses. This pest introduction, and ongoing pest issues, are fanning the flames of their fears.
Community Response and Future Steps
Today, the community’s response to this on-going pigeon problem is symbolic of a larger frustration with prohibitive local government measures. Residents are calling for more effective strategies to manage the pigeon population, particularly around key areas like silos that attract large flocks. Along with Mayor Stephens’ promotion of state funding, other local leaders are coming together to fight this growing crisis.
Local officials, including Stephens and other council members, are currently conducting tests related to pigeon issues on-site at affected buildings. Their stated intent is to collect this data to strengthen their argument for more funding and broader eradication efforts.
Port Pirie is making strides to tackle a long-standing pest issue. This problem still plagues public health and hurts small businesses. With as many as 100 health employees displaced and business owners faced with expensive repairs, swift action is necessary.
