Free workshop tackles growing Indian myna and wild dog concerns
Published on 10 June 2026
Gympie Regional Council will host a free community workshop at Tin Can Bay this month to help coastal residents manage growing Indian myna bird populations and stay safe around wild dogs.
The Indian Myna Bird Management and Wild Dog Safety Workshop at the Tin Can Bay RSL and Hall on Saturday, 20 June, will help residents identify, deter and humanely trap Indian Mynas, and better understand wild dog and dingo behaviour following recent sightings in the area.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said both species had become increasingly problematic in Gympie’s coastal and rural communities.
“One short drive around the region and you can see just how much the Indian Myna population has grown,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“They are forcing native birds out of nesting hollows, taking over feeding areas and impacting homes, parks and public spaces, and their effects on our local ecosystem continue to grow.
“At the same time, recent wild dog activity in the region’s coastal and rural communities has reinforced the need for ongoing monitoring and education to help landholders and residents protect their families, pets and livestock.
“Managing pest animals is a shared responsibility between Council, landholders and the broader community. Council has committed more than $140,000 this financial year toward education, monitoring and pest management programs across the region.
“As part of the 2026-27 Budget deliberations, Council will continue exploring ways to further support communities and landholders in dealing with pest animal activity specific to their area.”
Divisional Councillor Jess Milne encouraged residents living in coastal communities to attend the workshop to help them better understand and manage invasive pest species in their area.
“I continue to hear from residents in our coastal communities who are concerned about increasing numbers of Indian mynas and more frequent wild dog sightings near residential areas, and who want to know what can be done to address these issues,” Cr Milne said.
“For many people, there is a real concern about safety, especially when their children are out walking, riding bikes or spending time in the community while wild dogs are being seen nearby.
“These are issues that people in our coastal communities are dealing with every day, and this workshop is about giving them clear, practical information they can use to help keep their properties, animals and local environment safe.”
Event Details
Indian Myna Bird Management & Wild Dog Safety Workshop
- Saturday 20 June 2026
- 10am - 12pm
- Tin Can Bay RSL and Hall - 45 Gympie Road, Tin Can Bay (during the Tin Can Bay RSL Markets)
- Free entry and morning tea
- To register: www.gympie.qld.gov.au/myna-bird-workshop
To find out more about pest animals: Controlling Weeds and Pest Animals | Gympie Regional Council
ENDS