2021-22 Flying Fox Season update #4, Isaac region

Isaac Regional Council would like to remind residents of the benefits of tree trimming while flying foxes are not roosting in their backyards.

Recent weather activity in Moranbah, Clermont and Dysart has seen numbers reduce significantly however there is still a chance the little red flying foxes may return in similar numbers.

If flying foxes were established at your property and you wish to take proactive vegetation management to reduce the risk of their return, then please contact the Department of Environment and Science on 13 74 68 for advice.

Recent monitoring trends have reinforced that flying foxes are wild animals and are unpredictable, establishing new colonies in previously unaffected neighbourhoods and towns and staying for periods greater than their usual migration.

Council is monitoring the flying fox numbers on a regular basis and is in ongoing discussions with impacted residents.

MORANBAH

There are currently 20,000 flying foxes that are fragmented across several residential backyards in the vicinity of McCool, Bradman and Sedgman streets. Council encourages residents not to undertake dispersal attempts to avoid further fragmenting of the colony into other backyards and affecting their neighbours.

CLERMONT

More than 500 flying foxes are currently located in Centenary Park at Hoods Lagoon, away from residential backyards. Council is regularly monitoring the roost and has taken steps to minimise disturbance to park users who can continue to enjoy safe and unimpeded access to the majority of the park area and facilities.

DYSART

Flying foxes have moved on from their location at Garnham Drive and Fraser Court in Dysart. The colonies’ presence occurred outside of the species usual migration through the Isaac region. In recent years flying foxes have not camped in Dysart, however the dense canopies of trees in Dysart are an attractive breeding site for the flying foxes.

FLYING FOX MANAGEMENT STARTS AT HOME

Council officers have provided advice on flying fox colonies and the benefits of conducting preventative measures with impacted residents. Trees with large dense canopies are attractive to flying foxes. Trimming or removing trees such as mangos, figs and Poinciana trees will help to avoid flying foxes being attracted to your property. However, flying foxes may establish a roost in any tree particularly those with a large dense canopy. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLYING FOXES

Flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants and are crucial to keeping native forests healthy. High mobility also makes flying-foxes very effective as forest pollinators. Pollen sticks to their furry bodies and as they crawl from flower to flower, and fly from tree to tree, they pollinate the flowers and aid in the production of honey. This reinforces the gene pool and health of native forests and preserves the iconic Australian bush.

In turn, native forests provide valuable timber, act as carbon sinks, and stabilise river systems and water catchments, and provide recreational and tourism opportunities worth millions of dollars each year.

For more information visit https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/bats/flying-foxes/roost-management#management_of_flying_fox_roosts or call Council’s Customer Service Centre available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227), or the Department of Environment and Science on 13 QGOV (13 74 62).

Jeff Stewart-Harris Chief Executive Officer