Poultry, bees and health local laws

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River Health Local Laws 1999 address potential public health matters including waste, pest control, nuisances and lodging houses.

Bee keeping

The following conditions regarding the keeping of bees within the Shire:

• A person shall not keep bees in more than 2 hives on a lot in a residential zone;
• A person shall not keep bees on a lot unless –
  • an adequate and permanent supply of water is provided on the lot within 10 metres of the hive;
  • the hive is kept-
    • outside, and at least 10 metres from any building other than a fence;
    • at least 10 metres from any footpath, street, private street or public place; and
    • at least 5 metres from the boundary of the lot; and
  • the hive is enclosed on all sides by a fence, wall or other enclosure.

Further information is available from the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Poultry

The following conditions regarding the keeping of chickens and other poultry (ducks and domestic fowl) within the Shire:

• An owner or occupier of a premises shall not keep a combined total of more than 20 poultry
• A person who keeps poultry or permits poultry to be kept is to ensure that –
  • no poultry is able to approach within 15 metres of a dwelling house, public building or food business;
  • all poultry is to be provided with a properly constructed enclosure capable of being securely fastened;
  • all enclosures or cages within which poultry are kept shall be maintained at all times in a clean condition
• No roosters, turkeys, geese or peacocks are to be kept on any land zoned residential. If you are unsure of zoning, please contact a Shire planning officer for guidance.
• You may also like to read this Department of Health factsheet regarding keeping chickens and using eggs safely 

If you would like to report a rooster or have any queries regarding keeping poultry or bees, please phone the Shire on 9780 5255 and ask to speak to an Environmental Health Officer.