Lord Mayor's column: Working together to manage bird flu

There is no question that the detection of H5 bird flu in our city is a distressing milestone.

No matter how inevitable it felt that Wollongong would follow locations across the country, including the Shoalhaven with their positive cases, it’s upsetting that bird flu is in our city.

Plus, perhaps the hardest thing of all about this positive case is that, with us only at the start of the migratory bird season, it will get worse before it gets better.

Australia’s response to bird flu is being managed by the Federal Government, and locally by the NSW Government with support from local councils.

Council has been preparing for the arrival of H5 on Australia’s shores since it was first detected overseas in 2024. While we aren’t the lead agency responsible for managing the disease, we are focused on keeping our community informed and doing what we can to limit the impact.

We have installed key information signage at more than 50 locations along the coastline and around Lake Illawarra so residents know what to look for and how to report it.

The NSW Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development staff are responsible for on-the-ground management of infected wildlife. However we are putting plans in place should we need to escalate our efforts to support them and our community.

We’re not in this alone – you, our community, have a role to play too.

With this week’s warmer weather, more people will be out and about enjoying our beaches and parks. Your eyes and ears can help protect our wildlife, our environment and our communities.

If you see sick or dead birds or other animals, you’re being asked to do three things:

Avoid contact, keeping children and pets well clear.
Record what you see. 
Report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 from anywhere in Australia.

At home, the NSW Government’s recommendation is to not feed wild birds as it can encourage them to congregate unnaturally and increasing the risk of H5 spreading.

It’s also recommended that people keep cats safety contained at home, and keep dogs under close control, especially on beaches and near lakes, to prevent pets from approaching and eating sick or dead birds.

Working together is the best way to manage the impacts of H5 within our community. I encourage everyone to stay up to date with the latest news, and to follow Council’s social media channels to be aware of any updates from us.