Council acts in community interest on flying foxes

Eurobodalla councillors voted today to commence preparation of a flying fox dispersal plan for Council consideration.

The plan will form part of a review that is already underway to identify the risks, costs and likely success of dispersal and other management options.

The recommendation was put forward at Tuesday’s council meeting in a mayoral report by Clr Lindsay Brown.

Councillors also agreed to expand the existing resident support program. This means that residents of identified areas in Catalina are now eligible for free clothesline and car covers, access to pressure washers for cleaning, as well as free removal of exotic palms from their properties that provide a food source for the bats. The Mayor noted that this is not a solution, but will help those most severely impacted.

“It is important the community understands there are consequences to dispersal,” Clr Brown said. “Flying foxes are unpredictable animals and we don’t know where they will disperse to. There are 10 identified sites in the Bay urban area alone where they might go if we try to disperse them, including areas in Surfside, Long Beach, Catalina, and sites near two local schools.

“Despite this, and given the current unprecedented situation, we need to reconsider all available options, including dispersal, and that’s what Council is doing.”

A flying fox information meeting will be held for the community at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Monday 16 May, 5pm to 7pm. Council is inviting independent experts with experience in dispersals to answer questions and provide factual information for the community. Mayors and politicians from other areas facing similar issues have also been invited.