Felixstow Bridge - Bird Netting

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport recently installed bird-safe netting under the Felixstow Bridge. This action was taken as a proactive step aligned with Green Adelaide’s Urban River Torrens Recovery Project aimed to improve water quality and local amenity by addressing the environmental impact of a significant concentration of bird droppings in the area.

Why This Matters

Excess bird droppings add nutrients, including nitrogen, into the river. This can cause excessive algae growth, which can reduce oxygen levels and harm fish and other aquatic life.

Reducing the nutrient inputs helps improves water and habitat quality. Where bird droppings cause localised nitrogen buildup, we take steps to encourage birds to roost elsewhere, improving waterway health.

The initiative is not about pest control; it is focused on encouraging birds to move away from sensitive water infrastructure using humane methods.

Netting and Trapping Approach

The netting used at this site follows best practice, wildlife-friendly methods. It is designed to deter birds from nesting in sensitive infrastructure areas, encouraging them to relocate to more suitable habitats.

Our initial approach included a monitored trap-and-release program, supported by the RSPCA, with a licenced wildlife management team visiting the site three times daily to ensure the safe and humane relocation of birds.

We’ve also added 10 one-way exit doors that allow birds to leave the netted area but prevent them from returning.

To date, no birds have been killed or injured as a result of this process.

Unfortunately, efforts to encourage birds to relocate away from sensitive water infrastructure have been hindered by well-meaning members of the public. We acknowledge that this public interference, such as tampering with the netting and placing food inside the enclosed area, is driven by concern for the bird's welfare. However, these actions have unfortunately increased the number of birds entering the netted zone, made safe capture and release more difficult, and prolonged the time birds spend within the structure. This not only compromises bird welfare but also affects the integrity of the infrastructure.

Public Notice

⚠️ Do not tamper with netting or traps – vandalism prolongs the process and may cause distress to birds.

⚠️ Do not attempt to rescue birds yourself – our licenced wildlife management team are monitoring the traps 3 times daily and relocating birds humanely.

⚠️ Do not feed birds or throw food into netted areas - feeding the birds in the netting prolongs their stay and the birds have access to food and water within the traps.

We thank the public for their cooperation and understanding as we work toward a balanced solution that supports both healthy waterways and the protection of local wildlife.

For enquiries or to report concerns, please refer to the updated signage or contact DIT directly via our website or helpline.