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Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat

Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.

By news@gippsland - 12th August 2026 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife, as government agencies and local partners ramp up measures to protect Phillip Island's wildlife from H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

Bass Coast urges residents and visitors to avoid sick or dead wildlife following H5N1 detection on Phillip Island, as agencies coordinate response measures and plans advance to vaccinate little penguins

The advice follows the detection of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza on Phillip Island, with council working closely with Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water and Agriculture Victoria on a coordinated response across Bass Coast. Following the Commonwealth's vaccine announcement yesterday, the Victorian government today confirmed plans to vaccinate Phillip Island's little penguins against H5N1.

Wildlife response coordination

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Tessari said that council was working closely with agencies and partners to ensure a coordinated response across Bass Coast. "Although we have been preparing for this event for some time, it is not the news we wanted to hear. Our wildlife is iconic; from our world-famous little penguins, our seal colony, and our short-tailed shearwaters, Phillip Island is home to them all, and our community is closely connected to the coast and these animals."

"Council is responding to this in partnership with other agencies. You might see signs in public places, like our beaches, advising you that a dead bird or animal has been reported. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and understand their role in how and when to report anything of concern. Early reporting gives everyone the best possible chance to monitor the spread and minimise impacts. If you see something concerning, avoid it and report it," he said.

Phillip Island stays open

Cr Tessari added, "We also welcome the Victorian and Commonwealth governments' announcement to vaccinate Phillip Island's little penguins against H5 bird flu. It's encouraging that proactive steps are being taken to help protect this iconic species. While we all have a role to play in responding to this outbreak, I do want to stress that Phillip Island and Bass Coast remain open for business. We want visitors to come and enjoy everything the region has to offer."

"Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, and I'll continue to do everything I can to showcase the incredible natural beauty, attractions and experiences that make Bass Coast such a special place to visit," said Cr Tessari. While the risk to human health remains very low, residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, including birds and marine mammals.

When around sick wildlife

Avoid

• Contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment.

Record

• What you see
• The location
• Photos or videos if it is safe to do so

Report

• Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species
• Single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin

Reports can be made through Agriculture Victoria's website or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Signs of H5N1 avian influenza in birds may include sudden death, lack of coordination, tremors, difficulty standing or flying, respiratory symptoms, swelling around the eyes or head, and unusual behaviour.

Poultry owners are also encouraged to review their biosecurity measures, including limiting contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, maintaining clean facilities and practising good hygiene when handling birds or eggs. For more information or to report sick or dead wildlife, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Melina Bath accused Labor of ignoring bird flu advice and delaying vaccinations for Victoria's vulnerable little penguin colonies
  The Victorian government is accused of ignoring expert advice to proactively vaccinate little penguins against H5N1, delaying action until after infection was detected, potentially leaving colonies vulnerable.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Darren Chester warns Sydney fire ant detection highlights biosecurity risks and urges swift action, surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond 2027
  Darren Chester has urged swift, coordinated action after red imported fire ants were detected in Sydney, warning of risks to agriculture and calling for stronger surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond June 2027.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
  The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• The Nationals warn visa delays threaten harvest workforce, food supply and regional farmers already facing mounting pressures
  The Nationals warn visa delays are threatening critical harvest and agricultural workforces, urging Labor to provide certainty, faster approvals and migration settings supporting farmers, regional communities and food supply.
• Brendan Kingwill elected as Baw Baw Mayor, with Kate Wilson appointed as Deputy Mayor for new 12-month council term
  Baw Baw Shire Councillors have elected Brendan Kingwill as Mayor and Kate Wilson as Deputy Mayor for 12 months, with both pledging collaboration, community engagement and continued advocacy for regional investment.
• Darren Chester warns Gippslanders to prepare for potential mass native bird deaths following H5 bird flu detection
  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to prepare for potential native bird deaths after H5 bird flu was detected at Lakes Entrance, warning of significant wildlife impacts and calling for coordinated biosecurity measures.
• Tourism industry warns visa delays threaten jobs and revenue ahead of Australia's critical Christmas holiday season this year
  Australia's tourism sector warns visa delays, rising living costs and fuel prices could put $3 billion revenue and 20,000 jobs at risk this Christmas, urging government action.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Matt Canavan slams Farrell's EU trade deal as farmers face unfair competition and restricted market access
  Matt Canavan criticised Labor's EU free trade deal, accusing it of disadvantageous to Australian farmers through quotas, tariffs, subsidies and inadequate market access, while urging renegotiation.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• Sale roundabout upgrade to improve road safety, traffic flow and access to future college campus and growing North Sale Precinct
  Wellington Shire Council will build a $2.75 million roundabout at Gibsons and Cobains roads in Sale, improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety and access to the future Sale College campus, with construction beginning in early 2027.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Community invited to shape Bairnsdale 2050 strategy and help Guide the town’s growth over the next 25 years, consultation ends on 30 November 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its draft Bairnsdale 2050 strategy, outlining future growth, housing, transport, economy and sustainability. Consultation runs until November 30, 2026.
• East Gippsland welcomes Indian Consul General, strengthening cultural ties, community connections and regional business opportunities with India
  East Gippsland Shire Council welcomed India's Consul General to strengthen cultural ties, explore regional business opportunities and celebrate multiculturalism, including Diwali festivities at the Bairnsdale Show.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Bairnsdale Mall upgrades postponed until early 2027 to accommodate community events, with safety and amenity improvements still planned
  East Gippsland Shire Council has postponed Bairnsdale Mall improvements until early 2027 to accommodate upcoming community events, including the Walk to Change the Story and Christmas Festival.
• South Gippsland unites against gender-based violence through community events and activism from 25 November to 1 December 2026
  South Gippsland Shire Council will mark 16 Days of Activism with community events, including an anti-violence walk, orange flower displays and arts workshops promoting respect and awareness.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Life Saving Victoria launches Summer Patrol Season, urging Victorians and visitors to follow water safety guidelines and prevent drownings
  Life Saving Victoria has launched its 2026-27 summer patrol season, urging Victorians and visitors to follow water safety guidelines, swim between flagged areas, supervise children and avoid swimming alone to help prevent drownings.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Sealers Cove boardwalk reopens after five years, boosting Wilsons Promontory tourism ahead of September school holidays
  Sealers Cove boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory has reopened after almost five years, following storm damage in 2021. Danny O’Brien says the restored route will benefit walkers, visitors and local tourism operators.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Sale after 17 years, bringing acclaimed performances and Australian premieres to The Wedge on 28 October 2026
  The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will return to Sale on October 28, performing at The Wedge for the first time since 2009, featuring Mozart classics and a world-premiere Australian concerto.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.