Bird Sanctuary

Council is considering the creation of a bird sanctuary in the Wilson Inlet, north of Prawn Rock Channel.

But before a decision is made, we're encouraging our community to share their thoughts with us! The area which is proposed to be gazetted for a bird sanctuary is north of the existing off-leash dog exercise area at the sandflats near Prawn Rock Channel and the mouth of the Wilson Inlet.

Some key points to remember:

• The area under consideration to be gazetted for a bird sanctuary is already a dog prohibited area under the Dog Areas Policy
• The Dog Areas Policy will be up for review prior to July 2023 at which time public consultation will be sought from the community and stakeholders
• People will be allowed to access the bird sanctuary on foot via designated footpaths around the northern section of Prawn Rock island and on all areas inundated by water
• Community members may be aware of a Bird Sanctuary Proposal which was provided to Council by the Denmark Bird Group. That proposal is NOT what is under consideration - it was simply used to supply information to Council on why a bird sanctuary should be considered for the area.

Please read the key documents and maps available on this page carefully before sharing your thoughts with us using the public comment form below.

The maps provided here show the extent of the proposed gazetted area for a bird sanctuary with examples, in real terms, of the shape of the bird sanctuary as Wilson Inlet water levels fluctuate.

Council considered the Bird Sanctuary matter at the June Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

Read the minutes from the June Ordinary Council Meeting here.

Below is the map of the Bird Sanctuary which will come into effect on Thursday 14 July 2022.