MEDIA RELEASE
12 August 2026
THOMPSON WELCOMES COUNCIL’S PROACTIVE BIRD FLU PREPARATION, CALLS FOR FASTER FEDERAL ACTION
Phillip Thompson OAM MP, Federal Member for Herbert, has welcomed Townsville City Council’s proactive planning for a potential H5N1 bird flu outbreak and is calling on the Federal Government to accelerate preparedness measures across coastal communities, including North Queensland.
Mr Thompson said while there have been no reported cases of H5N1 in Townsville or North Queensland, recent detections elsewhere in Australia highlight the importance of being prepared.
“Townsville City Council deserves credit for getting on the front foot and planning ahead before a crisis reaches our region,” Mr Thompson said.
“Rather than waiting for an outbreak to occur, Council is reviewing procedures, workplace safety requirements and response protocols to ensure our community is protected should H5N1 arrive in North Queensland.
“That is exactly the kind of practical preparation Australians expect.”
The highly contagious H5N1 strain reached mainland Australia earlier this year, prompting growing concern among biosecurity experts, wildlife groups and local governments.
Mr Thompson said many stakeholders had raised concerns that Australia’s response had been slower than comparable countries such as New Zealand, which moved rapidly to strengthen preparedness and surveillance measures.
“Australians have watched as other countries moved quickly to prepare for the threat of H5N1, while our own response has often appeared reactive rather than proactive,” he said.
“While the Labor Government has begun rolling out measures including vaccination programs for vulnerable bird populations, there is a clear need to accelerate those efforts and ensure regional communities are not left behind.
“North Queensland sits on a major migratory bird pathway and we cannot afford to be complacent.”
Mr Thompson said Townsville’s role as a major regional city, Defence hub and gateway to Northern Australia meant preparedness was critical.
“The best time to prepare is before a problem arrives, not after,” he said.
“I commend Townsville City Council and the Local Disaster Management Group for taking sensible steps now to ensure any future response can be carried out safely and effectively.
“I will continue urging the Federal Government to expedite its response and ensure coastal and regional communities like Townsville have the resources, surveillance capability and biosecurity support they need.
“We all hope these plans are never needed, but North Queenslanders expect their leaders to prepare for every possibility.”
ENDSABOR