On The Land
24 March, 2024
Scare gun theft raises concerns
TOLGA farmer Joe Trimarchi of Redhill Farming is in disbelief after a “scare gun” used to frighten away cockatoos was stolen from his property.
The theft of the scare gun from his property marked the third setback for his corn crop in recent months.
Previously, he has had to contend with fall armyworms and then cockatoos.
“At the beginning of this year, fall armyworms severely attacked my corn crop,” Joe said.
“The crop had just started to recover from that when it was attacked again, this time by cockatoos.”
The pests have inundated Joe’s crop and are still destroying and consuming it.
Despite Joe’s crop being besieged by the cockatoos which are in plague proportions, Joe is powerless to do anything about it.
All cockatoos in Australia are deemed to be protected species under Commonwealth Law and a special permit is required from National Parks and Wildlife before any control measures can be undertaken.
Cockatoos are a well-known agricultural and environmental pest, contributing to more than $300 million in agricultural damages each year (2021).
Shooting as a control option for Joe’s crop is not feasible due to its proximity to the Tolga Industrial Estate.
Unable to pursue this option, Joe installed a scare gun in his corn crop which was the only available option at his disposal.
The scare gun was operated during the day and turned off at night.
“I had only had it in my crop for two days when it was stolen,” Joe said in total disbelief.
“I am very concerned that if the gas cylinder bottle was discarded and thrown into the corn crop or adjacent long grass, it could cause a potentially dangerous situation if hit by a farm implement when harvesting or by a council slasher.
“It has the potential to go off like a bomb.”
In desperation, Joe has installed train horns in his farm vehicle in an attempt to move the cockatoos on.
Police are currently reviewing security camera footage to see if the thief has been captured by the camera.
The theft is being investigated by the Far North District Rural and Stock Crime Squad and any information regarding the matter can be reported to Policelink by calling 131 44 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
