Lissner Park flying fox colony in Charters Tower’s to be relocated during October
Nearby residents are expected to be “disturbed” as a flying fox colony in North Queensland is moved. Find out where they are going.
Townsville
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The notorious flying fox colony in Charters Towers’ Lissner Park is about to get the move along order, with nearby residents expected to be “disturbed” by the dispersal process.
Charters Towers Regional Council has engaged Biodiversity Australia, a specialist in environmental management, to undertake the much-anticipated dispersal using a staged approach.
It was estimated there were 27,500 flying foxes in the colony, made up of about 2500 black bats and 25,000 little reds.
After considerable planning and consultation, the relocation of the colony will start on October 5, with the initial activities occurring between 4am until 8am daily, for a period of four weeks.
Nearby residents are expected to be disturbed by a combination of loud noise, smoke and lighting activities during the first stage, which will take place in the first two weeks.
Pet owners were encouraged to keep their animals inside during these hours.
Lissner Park will be closed during the dispersal process and people were requested to exercise in alternate areas until it was complete.
Traffic disruption was also anticipated in the vicinity of Lissner Park during the first fortnight, with road users asked to follow the directions of traffic controllers and/or signage.
Biodiversity Australia has a high success rate of flying fox relocation management and are committed to providing a successful outcome for the community.
Their team will be highly mobile during the first week of the dispersal and ask residents and visitors to give them space to do the job.
In 2020, an artificial roost site was built at Young’s Block off Mafeking Rd, designed by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science and the CSIRO to provide a more attractive roost site for the mammals.
Mayor Beveridge said the flying fox dispersal was well planned with much consideration given to all those who might be temporarily affected.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our community and visitors and we need everyone to support this Council initiative,” Cr Beveridge said.
“Please do not disturb any flying foxes that may be temporarily roosting in trees on your property during the dispersal period as they may return to Lissner Park.
“There will be a dedicated Flying Fox phone number provided during the dispersal period, which is 1300 319 954, however we ask that this number is only used to report any flying foxes that are present on properties or that are in any unsuitable locations such as schools, health or aged care, airport or private properties.”
He said this number should also be called if you see an injured flying fox in need of care
A community update meeting providing an update and fielding questions was planned for Tuesday, 11 October from 5.30pm at The World Theatre, Charters Towers.
For information, visit: www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/community/flyingfox
Originally published as Lissner Park flying fox colony in Charters Tower’s to be relocated during October
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