Poultry and livestock

We support responsible animal management - both for the welfare of the animals but also for the amenity of neighbours.

You need to make sure that your animals don't create a nuisance (noise, smell or unhealthy conditions causing pest and vermin issues) or a health risk to the surrounding community. Please ensure you keep the areas where animals are kept clean and of a size appropriate to the size and type of animal. Keeping feed contained is also very important to ensure pests are not attracted to the area.

Various pieces of legislation including the Companion Animals Act and Local Government Act state conditions such as distances from dwellings etc. that can be mandated.  Where problems arise, council can issue notices and orders regarding the numbers (including zero) and types of animals that can be kept on a property and the conditions under which they are kept - to preserve the amenity of the area.

State Laws

• The Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 cover Council orders to ensure animals are kept appropriately.
• The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 outline the requirements for approvals to keep certain types of animals and animal shelters.

How you must keep chickens or similar animals

You can keep chickens and poultry within urban areas in the Albury area. You must follow the provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 and the Local Government Act 1993.

Requirements for keeping chickens include:

• For housing on land (other than land zoned R5), no more than 5 fowl or poultry and no roosters.
• For housing on land zoned R5, no more than 10 fowl or poultry.
• Poultry housing must be located in the rear yard with a floor area of less than 15 m².
• Housing must be located at least 3 metres from each lot boundary.
• There must not be more than one development per lot.
• Poultry housing (including guinea fowl) must be at least 4.5 metres from any dwelling, public hall, school or food premises.
• Housing must be enclosed to prevent the escape of poultry.
• If located on bush fire prone land and within 5 metres of a dwelling, housing must be constructed of non-combustible materials.
• You can check your property zoning using the NSW Government Planning Portal .
• Roosters are not permitted in residential areas within Albury, except in areas zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential. Roosters are permitted in rural areas.

Livestock and other animals

• In New South Wales, livestock owners must comply with council regulations and state legislation.
• Property Identification Code (PIC): All livestock owners in NSW must obtain a PIC, regardless of whether livestock are moved.
• Planning consent: Intensive livestock agriculture may require development consent, depending on location and impacts.
• Livestock welfare: Livestock are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and associated regulations.
• Transporting livestock: Owners must comply with the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme, including vehicle and mass requirements.
• Public roads: A stock permit is required to move livestock on public roads, and warning signage must be displayed.