Draft Policy - Keeping of Roosters

The keeping of roosters within the Bathurst LGA continues to create annoyance and conflict between many residents, with a high proportion of complaints received within zones R1, R2 and R3.

Roosters not only crow in the early hours of the morning but also throughout the day. This causes disturbance to neighbours who are awoken from the excess crowing of a rooster and are unable to return to normal sleep patterns. Complaints regarding crowing throughout the day are also received from residents who find the noise intrusive, and they are unable to concentrate or find time to relax within their premises.

Rooster noise complaints are also steadily increasing with a general trend upwards.  Investigation into rooster noise complaints by Council’s Authorised Officers is consuming time and financial resources and this is impacting on Council’s response times to other environmental complaints and investigations.

Noise generated from crowing roosters can fit the definition of offensive noise, that is, noise which interferes unreasonably with the comfort or repose of a person who is outside of the premises from which the noise is emitted. Offensive noise such a rooster crowing is managed under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 by Council’s Authorised Officers.

A “no rooster” Policy within zones R1, R2 and R3 will assist Council Officers and staff in directing valuable resources into other areas of compliance and development assessment. Roosters can still be kept within other zones within the Bathurst LGA that are more suitable to accommodate them.

Draft Policy:

Council has placed on public exhibition a draft Policy, Keeping of Roosters, to address the increasing impact and disturbance to the community.  The aim of this new Policy is to provide guidelines for Council, regarding where roosters can be housed within the LGA, finding a balance between meeting legislative requirements for noise impacts and meeting lifestyle expectations.

The draft Keeping of Roosters Policy is provided in the Document Library.

The draft Policy is on public exhibition for 28 days from 20 May 2024 to 18 June 2024.

Council invites written submissions in relation to the draft Policy. Submissions should be lodged with Council no later than 18 June 2024.