Bird Deterrent Services

⁠⁠⁠The Sydney Opera House is seeking proposals from suppliers to provide bird deterrent services on its precinct, by means of suitably trained dogs and handlers.

Scope:

Birds have long been a nuisance to patrons across the Opera House precinct, negatively impacting the experience for visitors and posing a health and safety risk.

In 2019 a trial was initiated by the Opera House to engage a dog walker that could deter birds from swooping and harassing guests on the Lower Concourse. The trial was deemed a success as it was found that bird activity in the area reduced when the dogs are on site.

The service involves a suitably experienced handler working with a dog that is trained to detect and deter birds across the Opera House precinct, primarily along the Lower Concourse.

Essential to the success of the service is the handler’s ability to integrate with the Opera House and its food and beverage operator’s operations. The bird deterrent is an extension of the service offered to visitors of the Sydney Opera House.

The Supplier will be expected to fulfil the below requirements;

• Walk a dog on the Lower Concourse at times predetermined by the Sydney Opera House, which may include a standard roster of 4 hours per day, 7 days per week with the option to add or cancel shifts.

• Access to multiple dogs that are trained in deterring seagulls. At times the Supplier will be required to use multiple dogs per day where double shifts are booked;

• Access to multiple handlers, all who have previous experience walking dogs, to facilitate the services. All handlers are to complete an induction, preapproved by the Sydney Opera House, prior to walking dogs within the precinct;

• An understanding of the sensitivities patrons/visitors to Sydney Opera House may have around dogs;

• Flexibility, highlighted by the ability to cancel the services within 24 hours due to impacts of weather or other site activity;

• Ability to integrate with the food and beverage operators at the Sydney Opera House;

• Policies and procedures in place to ensure the dog’s welfare is cared for and the animals are treated ethically; and

• Ability to operate in a safe, respectful and considerate manner.

Enquiries

Enquiries from Respondents must only be submitted via the Q&A function of the Buy NSW Tenders website or via email to fandbtenders@sydneyoperahouse.com and addressed to the Contact Officer.