National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aerial Shooting

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    Open consultation
    NSW
    18 days remaining
    Start 27/08/2026
    AEST 10:00
    End 14/09/2026
    AEST 17:00

    Submit feedback to

    Helen  Jessup
    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
    helen.jessup@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

    National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Animal Control - Aerial Shooting

    The issue

    NPWS is planning an aerial shooting program within the Shoalhaven and Illawarra-Highlands sections of NPWS South Coast Branch.
    Aerial shooting will only occur in NPWS reserves and consenting private properties near Nowra restricted airspace from Monday 19 to Friday 23 October 2026.
    Aerial shooting operations are conducted by NPWS Park Air or authorised contractors in a Squirrel B3 helicopter.
    In order to reduce the potential impact on other stakeholders, the aircraft will only operate during daylight hours and below 3500 feet.

    Purpose

    To seek feedback from other airspace users on potential impacts of a temporary danger area for a planned aerial shooting operation for the control of feral animals by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

    Proposal

    In order to control feral animal populations, NPWS is seeking feedback from airspace users of a temporary danger area to support aerial shooting operations are conducted by NPWS ParkAir in a Squirrel B3 helicopter. 

    The aerial shooting operations will be conducted within NPWS land tenure and consenting private properties, near Nowra restricted air space, performing low-level flying operations that target pest animals. The aircraft crew consists of a Pilot, Air Observer, and Shooter, along with an on-ground Officer-In-Charge maintaining flight following for search and rescue purposes. 

    This operation is part of a long-term pest animal control program that has been taking place since 1984 using highly trained shooters that are part of the NPWS Feral Animal Aerial Shooting Team (FAAST). 

    Pest control operations will not be undertaken within the Nowra HMAS Albatross restricted airspace as pest animals being targeted are further to the west in Morton National Park and Bungonia State Conservation Area. Flights will commence at first light and occur throughout the day until last light. Although the work will primarily target times of peak pest animal activity, operations may be conducted at any time of the day.

    Image 1: Zone A Map South Coast Branch October 2026
    Image 2: Zone B Map South Coast Branch October 2026
    Image 3: Zone N Map South Coast Branch October 2026

    Submitted by

    Helen Jessup
    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
    helen.jessup@dcceew.nsw.gov.au