2022-23 Flying Fox Season Update #1

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

In anticipation of the annual migration of flying foxes throughout the Isaac region, taking proactive vegetation management is essential to reduce the risk of flying foxes roosting on your property.

The Queensland Government regulates flying-fox roost management under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. If flying foxes were established at your property in previous years 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.

CLERMONT

A total of 250 Little Red 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 most of the park area and facilities.

ISAAC REGION

With the arrival of Little Red Flying Foxes in Clermont, other towns can expect to see an increase in Little Red Flying Fox activity possibly leading to roost establishment in yards with sufficient vegetation. 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 are native animals that 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 species diversity and health of native forests and preserves the iconic Australian bush. In turn, native forests provide valuable timber, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, stabilise river systems and water catchments 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 PSM Chief Executive Officer

Published: 7th September 2022