Cr Tahlia Jones and George Pascott with one of the signs.
Camera IconCr Tahlia Jones and George Pascott with one of the signs. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Gluten free duck signs rolled out around Mandurah

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

SIGNS highlighting the ‘gluten-free’ diets of local ducks have been popping up around Mandurah.

Mandurah Environmental Action Group member George Pascott, a passionate advocate for the local environment, said he had noticed the water quality of the Cox Bay foreshore lakes had deteriorated over the past five years and was having a negative impact on bird life.

“The ecology of the lakes has changed and there are fewer species of birds,’’ he said.

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“I believe this was partly due to feeding bread to the birds.

“People, particularly children, enjoy feeding the ducks but are not aware of the negative effects to their (the ducks’) health.”

Mr Pascott contacted City councillor Tahlia Jones with a suggestion that signs be installed to inform visitors of the consequences of feeding local birds.

Cr Jones said she had been working with Mr Pascott on the signage for some time and thanked him for his commitment to the environmental issue.

“This is just a small example of the council’s commitment to being a citizen-led community.

“We councillors can’t have a monopoly on wisdom and ideas and are always open to suggestions from the community on improving it.”

The signs will now be rolled out at other lakes that are experiencing the same problems.

Mandurah Environmental Action Group meets regularly with the City of Mandurah environmental team to work out best practices stewardship for the environment.