Feeding birds or native wildlife

Council has received a media enquiry about feeding birds on private property.

It can be an offence to feed birds on private land when the birds are not ordinarily kept on that land and where it interferes with another person. The infringement for this offence is $200 or up to $1000 if prosecuted in court. 

It is an offence to feed birds where it interferes with the comfort of any other person.

Council does not recommend or support feeding any wildlife, including birds, on public or private property. Feeding native animals foods they would not otherwise eat, or increasing quantities of some foods, can have a negative impact on their health.

However, it is not an offence to feed birds in a public park or on council-owned land, unless a person has been directed not to feed wildlife by an Authorised Officer.

To find out how you can create a wildlife friendly garden, visit Wildlife-friendly gardens