26 February 2026
Cleeland calls for action on escalating corella infestation
The Nationals, Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP is calling for urgent action to address the growing corella infestation impacting communities across the region.
Large flocks of corellas have surged in recent months, causing significant damage to farms, sporting and recreation facilities, and public amenities. The birds are tearing up turf, stripping crops, damaging infrastructure and leaving a costly clean-up bill for already stretched local clubs and volunteers.
Ms Cleeland said the prolonged drought had intensified the problem, with corellas moving into townships and sporting grounds in search of food and water.
“Farmers are seeing paddocks damaged, clubs are watching their playing surfaces destroyed, and community facilities are being left in a terrible state,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is not just a nuisance. It is a real financial and emotional burden on volunteers, local councils and landholders who are already doing it tough through dry conditions.”
Ms Cleeland recently met with members and residents at the Kilmore Golf Club and Kilmore Cricket Club, where extensive damage to grounds and surrounds has disrupted community sport and placed additional strain on local volunteers.
“Local clubs should be focused on keeping people active and connected, not spending their limited funds repairing damage caused by large flocks of birds,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Volunteers are doing their best, but they cannot manage this scale of infestation alone.”
Ms Cleeland called on the State Government to provide practical support, clear management guidelines and funding assistance to help councils, landholders and community organisations respond effectively and humanely.
“We need coordinated action, not a piecemeal approach that leaves communities to fend for themselves,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our region should not be left to carry the cost of a problem that is growing beyond the capacity of local groups to manage.”
Ms Cleeland said she would continue advocating for immediate support and long-term management strategies to protect farms, community assets and sporting facilities across the Euroa electorate.
“Regional communities deserve practical solutions that reduce the impact of these infestations and support the volunteers and landholders who are on the front line,” Ms Cleeland said.