Manly council calls for united front to tackle bat burden

Manly Council is calling on Pittwater and Warringah to share the burden of the thousands of grey-headed flying foxes on the peninsula, with most now roosting in Balgowlah.

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Manly Council is calling on Pittwater and Warringah to share the burden of the thousands of grey-headed flying foxes on the peninsula, with most now roosting in Balgowlah.

Last July, Pittwater Council attempted to disperse a colony of flying-foxes at Cannes Reserve in Avalon by temporarily releasing loud industrial sounds, lights and smoke.

But, according to Manly councillor Cathy Griffin, all this did was shift the camp over to Balgowlah, increasing the numbers there dramatically.

While adopting a management plan for the more than 9000 flying foxes living at the Burnt Bridge Creek site in Balgowlah at a council meeting last week, councillors agreed to remind the neighbouring councils they need to be more accommodating of the species.

The flying-fox at Cannes Reserve in Avalon.

“We do note that Pittwater tried to disperse their camp and that had a direct impact on the number of bats in our camp,” Cr Griffin said.

“So we should remind them that it’s a shared responsibility to ensure the flying-fox habitat is available across the northern beaches.”

There are only two flying fox camps on the peninsula – Balgowlah and Avalon at Cannes Reserve.

Residents living near both colonies have complained about the stench and loud noise the bats make.

A Pittwater Council spokesman said the council had no comment on the distribution of the flying foxes, other than that they are aware their movements are unpredictable and wide ranging.

The spokesman also said that while it was yet to review Manly’s proposal, it would welcome collaboration with other councils.

A Warringah Council spokesman said while they do not have a colony, they will continue to work with councils where appropriate.