A risk assessment has been completed by the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes officers to help determine whether a gaggle of geese are allowed to remain in the River Park, Blackwood River and surrounds.
The risk assessment was based on visual inspections as well as the extent of public feedback and complaints received over the past 25 years or so that the geese have been in the area.
The goose chase began earlier this month when a shire ranger notified Ford House owner Jenny Rotman that the management of the gaggle needed to be reviewed following some concerns raised by the public.
Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire president John Nicholas said an inquiry had been made by a member of the public to determine who was responsible for the geese and other “free-ranging” birds within the shire.
“At this stage it seems that the geese in question are not really owned by anyone, although Mrs Rotman has said that she does provide care for them,” Cr Nicholas said.
The shire would not be taking any action in requesting controls on the geese or for their removal.
- – Cr John Nicholas
Mrs Rotman said she was delighted with the outcome and amazed by the support the geese had received from hundreds of people.
“It is just wonderful that the geese have been assessed as ‘low risk’ and that they can stay here where they have pretty much always been,” she said.
“It just shows what an important tourist attraction they are and how much most people do enjoy them.”