We call on the new Environment Minister, Enver Erdogan, to lead an urgent, well-resourced effort to halt Albert Park’s avian botulism outbreak, which has killed 1300 birds in less than 18 months. 

 

 

 

 

L29 died on January 12, 2025,  just one of ~1300 birds lost so far

The silent and deadly problem... 

Albert Park Lake is the postcard perfect backdrop for the Australian F1 Grand Prix and for other world spotlight moments. 

But the lake has also been silently hosting a deadly disease, avian botulism, claiming the lives of at least 1300 birds and countless fish. 

Enver Erdogan is the new Environment Minister but he refuses to discuss what is needed.

What is happening…

Since mid-December, 2024, dead ducks and other waterbirds - including at least 2 black swans -  have been appearing daily on the lake surface, along with fish of all sizes.  

Parks Victoria was slow to act initially, but improved dramatically through 2025 and especially in the summer of 25/26. Once they borrowed a boat from another department, they found 90 dead birds on Gunn Island. 

*NOTE: Parks Vic rangers don't have a boat of their own. They have an 800 megalitre lake, but no boat for proper management.   

 

 

 

Park users have the traumatic task of seeking help when they find dying birds, usually limp and paralysed, close to an edge of the lake. Especially those who visit at dawn or evenings in summer, when after-hours help is hard to find. 

Thankfully, there have been a couple of successful saves due to park users calling help. 

What needs to happen… 

The Victorian government needs to treat this outbreak as a serious threat to a Melbourne landmark.  

WE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE 1000+ BIRDS EVERY YEAR.

The lake needs:

•        24/7 monitoring and response for the immediate treatment and testing of sick animals 
•        Faster spotting and removal of any bird or fish bodies, without waiting for members of the public to call them in. 
•        Cleaner, less polluted, deeper, aerated water to reduce the prospects for the botulism to thrive
•        A boat, equipment and other resources for all the requirements above. 
•        Better communication to park users and the people of Victoria about what has been unfolding    
•        Stop stocking our very sick lake with fish and adding to the problems. 

In short, there needs to be a sense of urgency and commitment, led by the government with community support. 

Please sign this petition and add a reason for signing it. Please share with concerned friends. It IS being seen by the right people and they ARE slowly starting to respond.