Massive, instant The Gap bat colony sparks call to move them

Thousands of bats which suddenly showed up in this westside suburb have sparked a petition and pleas to move them. But experts say the worst could be soon over. WHEN AND WHY

Thousands of bats which suddenly showed up in The Gap in Brisbane’s inner-west a few months ago have sparked a petition and pleas to move them.

But experts were hopeful the worst could be soon over and urged vigilantes threatening to take their own action to be patient.

The issue has split the leafy suburb, made famous in Trent Dalton’s hit novel BoySwallows Universe for its mention of the large trees, with some saying they were part of the wildlife which made the area so special.

Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland carer and rescuer, Rebecca Appleton, said she understood residents’ concerns and believed their voices needed to be heard.

However she said the smell should soon lessen because scent glands on the males became less active as the breeding season drew to an end.

Some of the bats in the colony. Picture: Facebook/Save Our Waterways Now

“I can’t guarantee they will leave, but in 2021 they left by September,’’ she said.

“We think they could be coming from NSW for the winter because we’ve had a good flowering of melaleuca and eucalypts.

“There wasn’t the usual amount of flowering last year so we had less of an influx.

“The bats have been there for a long time but this is by far the most I’ve ever seen.

“It used to take me one minute to walk from one end of the colony to the other. Now it takes me 15 minutes.’’

Ms Appleton said most of the bats were greyheaded flying foxes, listed as “vulnerable’’ and protected under federal laws.

She said although it might appear there were as many bats, or more, than ever their overall numbers were actually in decline.

She also said it was virtually impossible to move a colony, short of cutting down every tree.

Charters Towers council had tried helicopters, bright lights and even shooting fireworks into trees, to no avail.

The Gap resident Millie Takia started a petition, which closed on July 31, calling on Council to move or control the colony. More than 130 people have signed it.

One of the bats in the colony. Picture: Facebook/Save Our Waterways Now

Residents in the Walton Way mini-estate and along Riawena and Gymea streets, some of whose houses were only 10m from the bats, had reported solar panels, cars and decks being covered with acidic faeces which harmed paint and coatings.

Save Our Waterways Now landcare group had not been able to continue its efforts on that part of Enoggera Creek because it was illegal for them to work underneath a colony.

The issue has generated so many comments on local Facebook community groups it prompted administrators to delete posts.

Local state MP, Jonty Bush, acknowledged it was a difficult situation for residents living nearby but reminded them that greyheaded flying foxes were a protected species.

“It’s pretty tough to move a colony and it would need to proceed with caution - they are important pollinators and a threatened species,’’ Ms Bush said.

“They might be there only for a short while, it could just be a sign of a good winter flowering season.

“Council has responsibility at the end of the day to monitor and maintain areas where bats are present.’’

Greyheaded flying foxes have moved into The Gap, annoying nearby residents. Picture: Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld

A Council spokeswoman also said migration of flying foxes to Brisbane from the south was normal in winter as they sought warmer weather and food from eucalypts and other flowering trees before heading back south.

“Flying foxes are considered a vulnerable species and protected by state and federal legislation,’’ she said.

“Council will monitor the seasonal presence of flying foxes and improve the existing buffer between private properties and the animals during this time.

“We thank residents for their patience while the animals are here temporarily.’’

Council suggested strategies to deal with problems caused by bats included taking in washing off clothes lines overnight, closing windows to reduce noise and parking cars under cover or using a car cover.

People with water tanks could also buy flushing devices.