Yarra Trams has successfully reduced bird roosting at its Malvern depot in Melbourne by 90 per cent following the installation of an automatic laser bird deterrent.
The site had previously faced significant challenges due to pigeons and myna birds nesting in the area, with feathers and droppings compromising worker health and damaging sensitive infrastructure.
According to the operating company, Keolis Downer (acquired by John Holland this year), the new AVIX Autonomic Bird Deterrent Lasers have dramatically improved site conditions, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
“The AVIX system operates autonomously, day and night, and is fully programmable to target specific areas,” a spokesperson for Keolis Downer said.
“Recognized by BirdLife Australia, it’s not only effective but also environmentally responsible. This rollout is part of our broader commitment to innovation and sustainability in public transport—and it’s helping to set a new global standard for urban infrastructure.”
Birds nesting in tram depots have long posed risks to Yarra Trams. To combat this, Yarra Trams initiated a trial in 2023 with the installation of two AVIX Autonomic Bird Deterrent Lasers, developed by Bird Control Group in the Netherlands and supplied by Australian partner Bird Beam.
The AVIX Autonomic system projects focused beams of light that create optical illusions perceived by birds as physical threats – described by experts as resembling a “sparkling broomstick.”
These illusions exploit birds’ heightened visual sensitivity, naturally deterring them without harm. The technology is endorsed by both the World Wildlife Fund and BirdLife Australia for its “ethical and environmentally responsible” design.
Following the success of the trial, Yarra Trams has expanded the installation to other depots. Bird Beam said early results indicate that AVIX lasers could serve as a model for urban transit systems globally, with interest already emerging from cities such as Dubai.
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