Bega Valley Shire Council contracts Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing to provide a range of tourism marketing services on its behalf. The tourism services contract ensures delivery of tourism destination marketing, experience development and regional leadership activities to contribute to the growth of the local visitor economy.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we conduct business. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and recognise the ongoing connection of all First Nations peoples to Country, land, air and sea.
H5 bird flu has been detected in a small number of wild birds on the sapphire coast
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development along with Destination NSW have developed a Tourism Industry Fact Sheet which you can review HERE
Bega Valley Shire Council has also developed a range of documents and flyers to help you understand, protect the community and visitors. Click HERE for local resources and fact sheets.
What is H5 bird flu
- H5 bird flu is a high pathogenicity variant of avian influenza that mainly affects wild and domestic birds, poultry and some mammals
- H5 bird flu is a global issue - Australia is the last continent to be impacted
- There have been no detections in NSW poultry flocks
- The risk to the public remains low
- Further spread in wild birds across Australia is anticipated and is being closely monitored
Why H5 bird flu matters for visitors and tourism in NSW
- Wildlife and natural environments are key tourism assets in NSW
- Visitor confidence is critical to regional tourism
- Tourism operators may be the first to observe and report unusual wildlife events
- Clear and reliable information helps reduce uncertainty and misinformation
- Early reporting of sick or dead wildlife supports both wildlife protection and tourism continuity
Key Points
- The risk to people remains low
- Tourism businesses can continue operating normally
- Do not handle sick or dead wildlife
- Report unusual wildlife illness or deaths
- NSW Government and partner agencies have activated response and preparedness arrangements
- Early reporting supports wildlife protection and minimises impacts on communities and industry
Wonderfully Wild - Sapphire Coast brand campaign
Learn about our exciting Wonderfully Wild brand campaign and how to get involved.
The Visitor Economy
The visitor economy is the foundation of the Bega Valley Shire. In the year ending March 2025 the Sapphire Coast region recorded over 1 million visitors spending over $497 million. Currently, tourism in the Bega Valley contributes to over 4,000 jobs.
1,034,000
$497m
554,000
Domestic overnight
visitors
4,000
