Caring for our Environment - Frequently Asked Questions

People who find sick, injured or orphaned native animals, such as parrots, kangaroos, bandicoots, woylies or possums on the sides of the road, in parks, suburbs, paddocks and forests should contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.

Water Birds Are Specialised for Wetlands

Water birds have unique beaks, feet, and body shapes designed for feeding in specific wetland areas. Their natural diet includes:

• Aquatic insects (macroinvertebrates)
• Algae and pondweed
• Small fish, snails, worms, and other aquatic life

These foods provide the right nutrition at the right time of year.

Human Food Is Not Suitable

Foods like bread may fill birds up but offer little nutrition. Over time, this can cause:

• Malnutrition
• Illness
• Disruption to natural feeding habits

Feeding Can Change Bird Behaviour

Feeding Wild Birds can lead to:

• Dependency on humans
• Aggression between birds and towards people
• Increased risk of predator attacks due to loss of fear

Safety and Environmental Risks

Feeding ducks on private property can:

• Encourage them to cross roads, risking vehicle strikes
• Increase contact with domestic pets
• Attract vermin with uneaten food

Disruption to Natural Cycles

Feeding sites often attract large numbers of birds, leading to:

• Excess droppings that pollute water
• Spread of disease
• Bad smells and insect outbreaks

Impact on Biodiversity

• Common, dominant species benefit most from feeding
• Rare or threatened species get pushed out

Overpopulation Problems

Too many birds in one area can cause:

• Overgrazing
• Disease outbreaks
• Loss of chicks
• Competition for nesting grounds

Rotting Food Harms Wetlands

Leftover bread and food can:

• Release phosphates, causing nutrient build-up (eutrophication)
• Trigger algal blooms in summer
• Lead to deadly botulism outbreaks (e.g., in 1999, over 1,000 birds dies in Mary Carrol Park Wetlands during a one-week outbreak)

Rotting food also reduces oxygen in the water, which can kill fill and other aquatic animals.

What can you do instead?

There are other ways you can interact with, and help our native wildlife:

• Install bird baths and grow locally native plants to provide natural food and water for wildlife
• Observe wildlife from a distance: It is always better to observe wildlife from a safe distance and appreciate them in their natural habitat. This will help prevent the disturbance of their natural behaviour and avoid and potential conflicts.
• Keep dogs on short leads when walking them around waterbodies and near bushland areas to reduce the risk of negative interaction.
• Keep cats inside to reduce predation on native wildlife.

If you continue to feed the waterbirds, please consider the following:

• Feed them healthy foods such as small amounts of fresh or frozen corn (removed from the cob), peas, lettuce, oats, bird seed, or cut vegetables.
• Feed them a snack, not a meal - be aware that you may not be the only person feeding them!

The dumping of waste or littering in bushland or on road verges is an offence under the Litter Act 1979 with fines up to $1000. The City's Rangers are able to investigate incidents of littering and/or illegal dumping where evidence of an offender is provided. Litter offences can be reported to Ranger Services on 9397 3000.

The Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 protect all native vegetation in Western Australia. Clearing native vegetation is prohibited, unless a clearing permit is granted by the Department of Environment Regulation or the clearing is for an exempt purpose such as the maintenance of existing fire access tracks or fence lines.

Clearing may also be allowed for developments whose removal of native vegetation has been assessed in the course of the process of obtaining the relevant planning approvals.

The clearing of native vegetation is defined as development under the Planning and Development Act (2005). Clearing of native vegetation without Development Approval is an offence under the Act.

Instances of native vegetation clearing that are believed to be occurring without the relevant permit or other approval can be reported to the City's Environmental Management team on 9397 3000. Reports can also be forwarded to the Department of Environment Regulation, or on 6467 5020.

To assist in investigating your complaint, the following information should be noted:

• Location, including lot number and road name.
• Date and time that clearing was observed.
• Area of vegetation cleared.
• Type of vegetation cleared.
• A description of the person(s) and/or machinery conducting the clearing.

If you wish, you may remain anonymous when you report a clearing incident.

The Department of Environment Regulation has prime responsibility for dealing with pollution incidents.

If you wish to report an emergency pollution incident, please call the 24 hour Emergency Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782.

In the event of a hazardous materials release, or life-threatening incident, call 000 and ask for Fire and Rescue Services.

For non-urgent pollution complaints or reports, please contact your nearest Department of Environment Regulation Regional Office by telephone or email at pollutionwatch@der.wa.gov.au, or contact the City's Health Service section on 9397 3000