The shooter’s dog allegedly retrieved the two dead galahs from the water.
The woman who witnessed the shooting confronted the man, and she alleged the shooter had initially denied the accusation but later apologised.
The witness noted the registration number of the man’s utility and reported the incident to the police.
Spokesperson for Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting, Kerrie Allen, said this was Premier Jacinta Allan's idea of "law abiding" shooters and a "sustainable", "legitimate recreation" at thousands of public wetlands around Victoria ‒ “so many they can't possibly be monitored”.
She said galahs, known for their playful antics, were a favourite for birdwatchers and loved by most Australians.
“What people may not realise, is that galahs form permanent partner bonds. Both parents incubate the eggs. Even so, sadly, up to 50 per cent of juvenile galahs will die before they reach six months of age.”
She said last year, this particular waterway was requested by locals to be closed due to the presence of endangered white-bellied sea eagles.
Anyone wanting to report illegal shooting can contact the Game Management Authority or the police.
The maximum penalty for hunting, taking or destroying a galah (protected wildlife) under the Wildlife Act 1975 is 50 penalty units ($10,175.50) or six months imprisonment or both the fine and imprisonment and an additional penalty of 5 penalty units ($1017.55) for every individual galah in respect of which an offence has been committed.
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