By Peter Douglas
Residents of Hughes Street in Upwey will need to wait to find out if their neighbourhood will become home to 140 show pigeons.
At its Tuesday 24 October meeting, Yarra Ranges Council opted to defer a decision on an application to construct three pigeon lofts at a residence in the street, citing a lack of information.
The application has drawn strong criticism from many in the area, who have expressed issues with odour, noise, the potential to attract vermin, as well as a potential increased risk of psittacosis, a potentially fatal bacteria passed on to humans from birds.
Although an initial application for about 300 pigeons on the sight was reduced to 140, the application to allow animal husbandry and the lofts constructed on the site has caused much dismay in the neighbourhood.
Thirty nine objections have been issued to council.
Speaking to council, neighbours Garry Jones and Susan Sypkens said such a proposal is inappropriate for the neighbourhood.
Although not against keeping pigeons as a hobby, Mr Jones said numerous issues needed to be addressed.
“These are show pigeons, big pigeons about the size of bantam hens. Why should 140 show pigeons be treated any different to 140 bantam hens? Or 140 pet show rats,” he said.
“The Dandenong Ranges has one of the highest rates of notified psittacosis infection in the world. In humans, this can cause severe disablement and death.
“While the pigeons may seem outwardly healthy, they can be carriers.”
Mr Jones also expressed issues with the design of the lofts and the application.
Neighbour Sue Sypkens said on many occasions she had experienced an offensive odour, due to the small number of pigeons already at the residence.
She feared the odour from 140 pigeons would be overwhelming.
“For some months, I’ve been enduring increasing unpleasant fecal odours from eight or more pigeons currently kept in makeshifts sheds,” she said.
“When wind blows from that direction, it means I can’t even open windows on the affected side of my house. There’s also a risk of pulmonary disease for me and my young grandchildren.
“This is intensive poultry farming, not just hobby pets. If this application is approved, it sets a precedent to keep a large number of livestock in residential zones.”
However, applicant Chris Shannon – when pressed on the issue of odour – maintained this was not an issue.
“Personally, I don’t believe there’s an odour. If anyone wants to come around and have a look, a smell … there’s no odour,” he said.
Mr Shannon also denied there would be any issues with increased vermin, or risk of psittacosis due to unhygienic practices.
“I clean it regularly, at least twice a week, all the time … all the stuff that comes out goes straight into a bag, then sealed into a container. So it’s all nice and clean and nothing can get into it.”
However, council deemed there was insufficient information to make a decision, with mayor Noel Cliff moving a motion which essentially saw the matter deferred.
“This has got to be refused tonight … and I feel (we need to) go away and look at it. There are so many unanswered questions here on this application. Odour, vermin,” Cr Cliff said.
“This is a serious issue and I would like to see it answered properly.”
Cr Cliff said there were issues also with the application.
“This project had started before the application was put in to council; we have buildings put up … that’s not a good way for us to go about an issue that’s going to be contentious with neighbours.”
