CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms CHESTERS (Bendigo) (16:09): I'm pleased to update the House on the progress of the swift parrot, one of only two migratory parrot species in the world. Australia is home to both. Last August I addressed the parliament about the critically endangered species that had visited Central Victoria in my electorate last winter in search of the flowering native eucalypts the box-ironbarks.

I'd joined BirdLife Castlemaine in Muckleford, in my electorate. I can tell you that we had about 40 visitors at that stage, which was considered extraordinary given how critically endangered this particular parrot is. It was a special opportunity to witness the bird in person.

I want to acknowledge the work of the private landholders in Muckleford in ensuring that they are maintaining and sustaining the trees that these birds are visiting. The bird itself is small, cheeky and quick, hence the name 'swift', and I can recall the distinct call of the parrot. This year, this winter, I'm pleased to report to the House that those visitors' numbers have grown.

It's estimated that about 700 of those birds—possibly the entire population—are visiting Bendigo and surrounds this winter. This is unusual behaviour, and ecologists are still trying to determine why the birds have chosen Bendigo to congregate in such large numbers this winter. Whilst the numbers are growing, we're hoping to work with local landholders to ensure that the habitat is sustained and thriving going forward.

A lot of the swift parrots in central Victoria feed on private land and roadsides, which is why we need to continue to work with local landholders, Landcare groups and local government to protect vital swift parrot habitat. I would like to acknowledge the work of BirdLife and our local Landcare groups and the proactive way in which they engage local landholders to ensure that we keep this habitat.

It's a good example of how we can coexist. Bendigo and Castlemaine are hugged by our ironbark forest. It is one of our key features and what brings many human visitors to our region each and every year.

I look forward to continuing to engage with our local Landcare groups to discuss how our government can better support the swift parrots and other endangered species, whether they travel from Tasmania to us or whether they call us home.