Charters Towers flying foxes: Bob Katter calls for bat cull to control population

Kennedy MP Bob Katter is calling for a cull of flying foxes that are again plaguing Charters Towers.

Flying foxes roosting in Lissner Park, Charters Towers. Picture: Supplied

Kennedy MP Bob Katter is calling for a cull of flying foxes that are again plaguing Charters Towers.

Mr Katter said he had written to the mayor of the Charters Towers Regional Council to reintroduce relocation measures developed with Biodiversity Australia “to resolve the issue and thoroughly investigate culling”.

“If it’s relocation, then let’s make it happen (and) let’s also reduce numbers to a more sustainable level by culling.”

He said residents could not be expected to live under such terrible conditions.

“Your home should be your castle – a place of peace and escape – and we are expecting people to accept that they can’t go in the backyard or take the kids to the park without having to worry about these bloody bats.”

Little red flying foxes at the bat roost in Lissner Park, Charters Towers. Picture: Trudy Brown

The Katter’s Australian Party MP said he was demanding immediate action to rid the Towers of the bats “once and for all”.

He said the town had been under siege for years “due to the overwhelming amount of the pests”.

“Once again, flying foxes have returned to Charters Towers, stripping our fruit trees, placing our residents in danger and restricting the use and enjoyment of public areas,” he said.

“Year after year we should not have to wait for the problem to get out of hand before we act.”

Mr Katter said farmers needed immediate solutions to reduce crop impacts and economic losses.

“All measures should be investigated to provide a long-term solution ensuring the community and farmland have a sustainable flying fox population.”

He said residents and business owners were frustrated and disappointed as local and state government departments failed to achieve long-term results.

“The urgency of this issue cannot be understated,” he said.

“Council needs to act and act now.”

The council has been contacted for comment.

Animal welfare organisations say the bats play an important role in the ecosystem and eradication tactics outlawed.

Originally published as Charters Towers flying foxes: Bob Katter calls for bat cull to control population