Rural town near Queensland border at war over growing bat population

A growing flying fox colony has divided residents in a rural Queensland town, with some concerned for their health and safety. DETAILS

Southern Downs Regional Council is monitoring flying foxes nested in Stanthorpe’s Quart Pot Creek.

A rural Queensland town is less than impressed by the visitors taking up residence at a popular park.

Stanthorpe residents have taken to social media to express their disgust at what they say is a growing flying fox population at Quart Pot Creek.

The cold country has long been a popular destination for the protected species, with the region having battled a similar issue before.

In 2017 farmers in the region suffered a significant loss of income after thousands of fruit trees were left ravaged.

Multiple social media posts attracted hundreds of comments from residents, with some rushing to the defence of the flying foxes, while others simply wanted them removed.

Those residents batting for the little guys defended their environmental benefit.

Flying Foxes are causing problems in Stanthorpe, with nearby residents concerned over the growing number at the Quart Pot Creek nest.

“Bats are essential to our environment. They are needed for pollination and help in pest control,” one resident wrote.

“Bats need somewhere to live, if you don’t like them then don’t visit the creek, without the bats pollinating the fruit trees in the area there would be no fruit,” another resident wrote.

While their noise, smell and destruction were all too much for other residents.

“Absolute filthy pests,” a resident wrote.

“The bats are flying rats, they carry a deadly virus that can kill humans and animals,” another wrote.

Southern Downs Regional Council was granted more than $18,000 from the Department of Environment and Science in 2022 to implement long term roost management plans.

The council last year announced they would be partnering with Southern Downs Industry Education Association and would begin establishing an alternative roost site from March 2024.

Stanthorpe Border Post reached out to Southern Downs Regional Council about the issue, with a spokesman confirming council continues to monitor the Stanthorpe roost.

“Flying foxes are an important part of our ecosystem. Council has in place a flying fox management plan, which has information on managing the interaction between

the community and flying fox roosts,” the spokesman said.

The council spokesman said due to state and federal environmental legislation, council was not permitted to relocate the roost.

From a health perspective the Queensland government has deemed there to be no risk for surrounding residents, and has listed a number of tips for living near flying foxes on their website.

Members of the public are urged not to handle bats and are advised to contact their local wildlife group or the Department of Environment on 1300 130 372 for assistance.