Ngaire Soley, Editor

Grenfell Record

Grenfell, NSW 2810

Dear Madam

Members of Birding NSW were dismayed to learn that at least sixteen Yellow Box and Blakely’s Red Gum trees had been cut down beside the sewage treatment works to facilitate the movement of trucks along Memory Lane for a new industrial site. These old trees offered important resources for birds and animals. The threatened Superb Parrots and other parrots use nesting holes which only occur in such old trees. Both tree species provide rich sources of nectar for many bird species including parrots and honeyeaters. In addition to destroying important bird habitat, employees of Grenfell Council have destroyed much of Grenfell Bird Trail 6. Grenfell Bird Trails bring bird watching tourists to the Grenfell area. Such tourists use the town’s resources and are important sources of income.

Since 2011, members of Birding NSW have been carrying out bird surveys every six months around Grenfell. Our club chose to survey in the Grenfell area because of the well-established system of Weddin Bird Trails, with many trails being important for Superb Parrots as they are along roads lined with Yellow Box and Blakely’s Red Gums. Survey data are recorded in BirdLife Australia’s database of bird sightings throughout Australia. Grenfell is in the centre of the internationally recognised South West Slopes Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), one of 45 IBAs in NSW established by BirdLife Australia as part of BirdLife International’s worldwide network of IBAs. This IBA is recognised as important for four globally endangered bird species including Superb Parrots as well as for several threatened woodland bird species. 

We hope that in future Council will take steps to ensure that trees are not removed without careful considerations of the impact on native birds and animals. In particular Birding NSW supports calls from Grenfell residents for Council to set up an Environment Advisory Committee.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely