Dispersal starts this week

Eurobodalla Shire Council will commence pre-dawn flying fox dispersal actions in Batemans Bay from Wednesday morning, with plans to continue the activity every morning except Sundays until 31 July, and possibly longer subject to NSW Government approval.

Council is prioritising dispersal to enable further vegetation clearing to increase the buffer zones between flying fox camps and houses. The activity will start on Heron Road and Albatross Road in Catalina then move to other priority areas or anywhere new splinter camps may form.

Loud noise, whistles, banging and lights will be used to disturb the flying foxes when they return to their camp in the early morning with the aim of discouraging them roosting in areas close to houses. These activities will take place for up to two and a half hours prior to sunrise by trained on-ground staff, supported by members of the community who registered their interest to be involved.

Council approved a Grey Headed Flying Fox Dispersal Plan at its meeting on 14 June and received official approval to attempt dispersal from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage the next day.

The approval came with an extensive list of strict conditions that Council must adhere to protect the welfare of the flying foxes.  Dispersal must cease if there are any females in late pregnancy or dependent young in the camps, or if any flying fox injuries or deaths occur that appear to be related to the dispersal. At least one person trained, vaccinated and experienced in dispersal and rescuing flying foxes must be onsite during all dispersal activities.

Council is reminding residents that it is not possible to direct the flying foxes or accurately predict where they will move to once they have been dispersed from the existing camp. Residents can help by reporting sightings of flying foxes in any new areas during the daytime via Council's website, so Council can investigate and undertake any required dispersal action to prevent splinter camps from forming.

Residents are also asked to report sick, injured or dead flying foxes to Council on 02 4474 1000 and ensure that they do not touch any living or dead flying foxes.

Whether through active or natural dispersal, it is expected that the majority of the flying foxes will move north as the weather turns cooler and the food supply runs short. Ongoing weekly monitoring indicates that the camp size at Batemans Bay is declining in line with the flowering season.