Mike Shreenan, executive officer of The Factory Community Centre in Waterloo, said: “Residents have reported cases of pests causing structural damage to their homes, and our own pre-school has electronic equipment, including our dishwasher, which has been damaged by the rats. If rubbish is left out in the street it provides a ready food supply for rats and the numbers are going to keep going up if waste management and pest control isn’t improved soon.”
Housing NSW intends to implement a pest control program, but many involved suggest funds would be more effective if put towards plans for efficient waste disposal and regular cleaning of the bins. Mr Shreenan said: “Authorities need to ensure that more adequate waste disposal facilities are available and ensure high standards of communal area cleaning are maintained.
“Housing NSW is about to commence an intense pest control program in the area, and is re-tendering new cleaning contractors. The City of Sydney is also about to employ a waste liaison officer. All of which are welcome moves, which should go a long way in addressing the issues.”
Ross Smith is a Housing NSW Waterloo tenant and proposes the need for a focus on regular cleaning as opposed to baiting. “Waste management is the problem, the bins are not kept clean so they attract the rodents. They [Housing NSW] need to have their cleaners clean the big rubbish bins. There’re holes in the bottom of these big open bins and they’re not kept clean so they attract rats,” he said.
Many tenants agree the ongoing feral animal problem requires a multi-faceted approach for it to be resolved. Mr Shreenan said: “This issue is an historical one and complex. It will take a community-wide effort to aid in ending this problem.”
