Council closely monitoring flying foxes across the region

30 March 2022

Southern Downs Regional Council has noted an increase in flying foxes across the region and is closely monitoring several colonies on a regular basis.

While flying foxes may cause some concern within the community, they are a native species protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Council is obliged to follow the Act’s guidelines when managing the animals’ activities.

Manager for Environmental Services Darryl Brooks said Council is currently working on a Flying Fox Management Plan for the region as a focal point for future management interventions.

“Flying foxes play an important role as pollinators of many of our native trees and shrubs and regularly migrate from site to site,” Mr Brooks said.

“We are monitoring a number of colonies across the region, in particular a relatively stable colony roosting at Gleeson Park, Stanthorpe.

“The black and grey-headed flying foxes in this area have spilled off the island and are now using trees on the land adjacent to the walking path and the skate park on Talc Street.

“Relocating this colony could prove problematic and most likely unsuccessful. We are seeking the patience of nearby residents and park users in the interim as we anticipate the animals will naturally leave the region in April, based on the known behaviour of the animals and our previous experience with this colony.

“Council is currently drafting a management plan for future seasons and a key element of this plan is to identify alternate roost sites outside of urban areas and make them more attractive to flying foxes.”

The draft plan is expected to be available for public consultation in June 2022.

Council staff will be monitoring the section of walking path impacted by the flying fox roost at Gleeson Park and cleaning the area as necessary.

Residents are reminded that although bats and flying foxes may carry infectious viruses that can be harmful to humans, Queensland Health considers the risks of infection to be very low.

Anyone encountering a sick, injured or dead flying fox should call Council on 1300 697 372 and not attempt to handle the animal.

More information on bats and human health is available from Queensland Health information (http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/14/bats-and-human-health).