In 2012 and 2013, difficulties were encountered with homing pigeons that were being released for daily exercise directly beneath the approach to runway 11.
There were also problems with removing abandoned planes which had sat on the airfield for more than 15 years.
The changes mean the council can ban people from releasing birds, for example homing or racing pigeons, from properties within three kilometres of the aerodrome, and enable more powers to remove abandoned aircraft.
The law also bans fires and firing guns on or over aerodromes.
The law covers facilities in Toowoomba that are under the control of the local government, also including Millmerran and Pittsworth aerodromes and the emergency helipad at Crows Nest.
Toowoomba Regional Council infrastructure committee leader councillor James O’Shea said the issues with the pigeons and abandoned aircraft were overcome through existing laws, but the new law would provide more clarity when dealing with similar situations in the future.
“In the case of the homing pigeons, proactive management in accordance with the council’s safety management system stopped any pigeons from being harmed or flights delayed,” he said.
“Council also negotiated with the owner of the pigeons to avoid any safety issues for aircraft or pigeons.”
Cr O’Shea said the new local law was released for public consultation, including the Toowoomba and District Pigeon Federation.
Toowoomba City Aerodrome is home to more than 25,000 aircraft movements a year.
An aerodrome is a location where flights take place, regardless of whether they involve cargo, passengers or military, with an airport a type of aerodrome.
Local Law No.6 (Aerodromes) 2017 was officially gazetted on Friday, repealing Local Law No.39 (Public Aerodromes).
Local Law No.39 was in effect prior to council amalgamations, with a continuing local law made in September 2011 to include coverage of aerodromes falling under the Toowoomba Regional Council umbrella.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)