General News
29 April, 2025
Bird deaths along Wimmera River
On Tuesday, April 29, dozens of birds were found dead and dying along both sides of the Wimmera River in Horsham by early morning walkers.
Horsham Rural City Council was notified about the birds by a member of the public; they attended the Meeting Place at 7am and notified Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
The majority of the birds affected were corellas.
Owner/Manager of the Horsham Caravan Park Riverside Glenn Coffey said he was shocked when he saw the birds.
"I came outside this morning and saw them all along the river, and I rang the council immediately.
"Some of our guests staying at the caravan park have children and they have been coming out to look at the birds on the ground, not realising the birds were dead at first," he said.
"It's been very upsetting for them."
Birds were seen trying to get to water, fluttering along the edge of the river, but dying after they reached the water, while others were seen falling out of trees.
Walkers and cyclists said they were distressed to see the state of the suffering birds and so many dead.
The public was advised to avoid the area while authorities removed the dead birds, and vets attended to those birds who were suffering the effects of what is suspected to be poisoning.
As the extent of the issue isn't known, the public was also advised not to let dogs or pets touch or sniff the dead or ill birds, and make sure children do not touch them if more affected birds are found in the area.
Some birds were taken away by vets, but dozens died along the banks and the n Wimmera River.
Security cameras in the area will form part of any future investigation.
Corellas are native wildlife and as such are protected under the Wildlife Act 1075.
It is illegal to wilfully disturb or destroy protected wildlife without approval.
Horsham Police have been notified.
