PLANS to develop the former crocodile farm near the centre of George have ruffled the feathers of bird lovers who say it would be an ideal location to establish a bird tourism venture.

George Municipality has adopted a draft report from consultants looking at various possible uses for the land, at the cross roads of York Street, Hope Street bypass, the R102 airport road and the exit to the N2 highway.

The area has become a haven for bird life with hundreds of birds including sacred ibis, cattle egrets, greater and black-necked herons, reed cormorants and Lanner falcons on the property.

The report proposes a universal development geared towards the George community. George Municipality also wants a bus terminus, a tourism and accommodation bureau, a law enforcement office, an open market, an urban park for recreation and family entertainment, and a residential entity incorporated in the proposal.

According to the consultants, the land is suitable for six possible development proposals, including a bird sanctuary, youth village, tourism centre, and craft and community development centres, as well as an internationally recognisable sculpture similar to the Taal monument in Paarl.

The report says initial investigation shows the property is not “that crucial” for the birds, although an opinion from a third party might be required. It also says input from George Tourism and the local birding organisations will be required regarding the viability of a heronry as a tourism business.

Vice chairman of the Friends of George Heronry (Frogh), Ken Gie, yesterday said the association put forward a 17-page public/private partnership proposal to the municipality for a bird sanctuary and tourism centre in November 2008.

“We are a little disappointed that nothing has been said in the report about our plans to include a tourism bureau, restaurant and rehabilitation centre for sick birds,” Gie told The Herald.

He was also concerned about the proposal for mass housing on the site where 11 permanent breeding species had been identified.

“It is a phenomenal occurrence to have breeding bird colonies in the centre of a city like George.”

Gie and other bird lovers urged the community to take part in the public participation process and comment on the proposals for the crocodile farm.

The farm was shut in 2008 and about 700 crocodiles relocated to game farms. According to reports Heribert Seyer, who ran the farm where about 4000 crocodiles were bred, relocated to Mossel Bay.