Wildlife Policy

Central Coast Council and NRMA Parks and Resorts do not encourage or permit the feeding of native birds or native animals at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort.

The biodiversity and flora/fauna guidelines of the Central Coast Council emphasise protecting wildlife in natural ways, and feeding is discouraged because it can harm birds and disrupt ecosystems.

Why Feeding Native Birds Is Discouraged

Health risks to birds: Human food often lacks the nutrients birds need. Feeding can cause malnutrition, obesity, or disease.

Spread of disease: Shared feeding spots increase the risk of parasites and infections among bird populations.

Birds cause damage: Birds, whilst waiting to be fed, start to chew on timber balustrades and other park assets, causing damage

Birds in bins: Birds such as Ibis are flocking in large numbers, entering bins and pulling out scraps, polluting the parklands and waterways.

Behavioural changes: Birds may become dependent on humans, lose natural foraging skills, and alter migration or breeding patterns.

Ecological imbalance: Artificial feeding can attract large numbers of certain species, crowding out others and disrupting local biodiversity.

Broader NSW & Conservation Advice

NSW Environment and Heritage policies also discourage feeding native animals, urging people to let wildlife forage naturally.

Bird Life Australia explicitly advises against feeding wild birds, noting that while it may feel helpful, it often causes long-term harm.

Please enjoy our wildlife, please refrain from feeding the native birds and animals.

Thank you, NRMA Parks and Resorts.