Policy Focus: H5 Avian Flu

ALGA, together with state and territory local government associations, is urging the Federal Government to include councils in funding programs for H5 Avian Flu.

While H5 bird flu has not been detected in Australia yet, we all have a role to play to ensure Australia is well prepared for any potential outbreak.

The Commonwealth recently allocated $100 million in new funding for H5 preparedness.

As a result, ALGA has advocated for the recognition of local government functions in the funding agreements, made with state and territory governments, under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement to the Avian Flu Taskforce and Federal Environment Minister Senator Murray Watt.

We have emphasised the need to provide sufficient information about H5 to enable councils to effectively inform their communities about this strain, and potential local impacts

While arrangements differ across states and territories, we know local governments consistently play a role in biosecurity emergencies, including:

• Provision of reliable information to the community on reporting carcasses, alongside clear communication of management strategies and expectations.
• Working with state/territory governments to decide how to safely dispose of carcasses.
• Conduct surveillance, engage with the community, monitor for outbreaks, and share information with other levels of government.
• Undertake additional responsibilities when their areas include key ecosystems, species, or protected sites like RAMSAR wetlands.

Councils also encounter additional costs including staff time, personal protective equipment, printing and distribution of physical materials, and publishing online assets.

H5 avian flu webinar

A free webinar called Preparing for H5 avian influenza, hosted by the Federal Government, will be held on Thursday 19 June 2025.  See more details:
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM (AEST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: free
Register here: events.humanitix.com/birdflu

More information:

Resources and information – including a fact sheet specifically for local governments – can be accessed here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza/resources

Wildlife Health Australia’s AviFluMap, which pinpoints Australian locations where infectious birds are likely to arrive and where local wild bird populations reside: https://hpairisk.deakin.edu.au/