Pinnaroo Residents and Businesses Battle Persistent Pigeon Infestation

Residents and business owners in the remote South Australian town of Pinnaroo are struggling to manage a persistent pigeon population that has plagued the community for approximately two decades. According to reporting by ABC Riverland, the birds have caused significant financial and infrastructure challenges, leading local officials to initiate ongoing eradication efforts.

For local business owner Roydn Bailey, the presence of the pigeons has become a growing financial burden. Bailey estimates his business spends hundreds of dollars weekly on cleaning machinery damaged by bird excrement, which he notes also clogs gutters and threatens roof integrity during rainfall. Residents attribute the birds' presence to the town's grain silos, which provide a reliable food source for the pigeons.

Public infrastructure and institutions have also been impacted. At the local primary school, concerns regarding water contamination forced the education department to intervene. An education department spokesperson confirmed that drinking water was trucked to the school on two occasions after potential contamination of rainwater tanks and gutters was identified. While the department noted that the school is not currently requiring emergency water shipments, remedial work including bird-proofing and pressure cleaning occurred in April 2025, and water tanks were replaced this year.

Feral pigeons, which are descendants of European domestic homing birds, are characterized by their ability to breed up to nine times a year. John Rohal of Adelaide Pigeon Control explained that the birds are creatures of habit, making them difficult to deter through non-lethal means. He noted that shooting and trapping remain the most effective methods for reducing populations.

Southern Mallee Council chief executive Jason Beaton stated that the council has been coordinating eradication efforts via a contractor for the past 18 months. With the harvest season approaching, Beaton said the council is prioritizing culling, though he acknowledged that the birds often return, making the management of the infestation an ongoing process. According to Beaton, the council views the matter as a localized issue to be resolved by the community.