We're partnering with New South Wales to prepare the state's native species for H5 avian influenza (bird flu).
An extra $1.3 million is supporting actions to improve habitats and reduces threats - from revegetation and nesting habitat improvements to the control of invasive species.
This work targets areas that are essential for vulnerable seabirds, shorebirds and waterbirds. These include:
- Ramsar and remote inland wetlands
- offshore islands
- key sites used by migratory species
These activities will relieve some of the pressures already faced by iconic species, such as little penguins, black swans, brolgas and Latham's snipe.
Healthy habitats give native species the best chance to withstand the impacts of H5 bird flu. These projects will also deliver broad, long‑term conservation benefits for important populations.
Projects underway include:
- Installing nesting boxes for Gould's petrel on Baranguba Montague Island Nature Reserve.
- Aerial control of water hyacinth at the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area. This will improve habitat for waterbirds like black swans and brolgas.
- Strengthening feral animal control in the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve. This will reduce pressure on threatened migratory birds including the Latham's snipe.
- Weed control and native fig tree planting on Lion Island Nature Reserve. To improve habitat around little penguin burrows.
This work is part of national efforts to reduce threats and improve habitat for species most at-risk from H5 bird flu.
This work is supported by the Australian Government's $100 million H5 bird flu preparedness investment. This includes $35.9 million for environmental measures. In addition to the new habitat works, funding already underway in NSW includes:
- $300,000 for species and site preparedness planning
- More than $1.1 million to protect captive populations of threatened species across the state
Together, these projects are helping ensure NSW's most at-risk species are as resilient as possible should H5 bird flu arrive.
