Flying fox vegetation clearing underway

Eurobodalla Mayor Lindsay Brown has instructed Council’s Acting General Manager Lindsay Usher to continue clearing vegetation wherever possible around the Water Gardens and Catalina where NSW Government approval is not required.

The clearing is to help reduce the impact on residents living with the unprecedented numbers of flying foxes as Council readies to commence dispersal activities in winter.

The Mayor said Council is doing whatever work it possibly can now to establish improved buffers and to remove roosting space close to houses.

“Any further clearing requires approval by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage because it is part of the flying fox habitat,” the Mayor explained.

“An application and the supporting information required for this is being finalised on Thursday ready to lodge on Friday morning.

“I have inspected the Water Gardens and areas of Catalina with Council staff to make sure we are maximising the areas of potential vegetation clearing to be included in Council’s application to OEH.

“I can guarantee the community that Council and OEH are working together closely in order to expedite this approval process, and I am hoping to see the approved clearing start as early as next week.

“From what I have witnessed and experienced this morning I am convinced that Council staff, with the help of OEH, are moving quickly to implement the actions directed by Council and supported by our local members of parliament.