Bega’s Littlewoods Estate developer speaks for the first time on life beside vulnerable bats

The developer behind Bega’s sole housing project defends his plans while environmentalists look for a ‘wealthy benefactor’ to buy up residential blocks.

Bega’s only housing development is being criticised by a group saying it threatens a crucial breeding site of Australia’s largest bat.

Gerard Littlewood of Littlewoods, the developers behind the new estate beside a grey-headed flying fox breeding site at Glebe lagoon, said 23 of the 25 vacant lots have already been sold.

“I‘m basically building a community within a community that everyone can be proud of,” Mr Littlewood said.

Mr Littlewood purchased the block last year, and said the average price of $187,000 means “a lot of bang for your buck” for buyers.

The housing development sits near Bega’s Glebe wetlands. Picture: Littlewoods

His company has also developed rural land at Wingello, Gundaroo and Bellmount Forest.

“We do a lot of other rural jobs, they are our bread and butter,” he said.

“We do enjoy these projects, it keeps us out of busy Canberra work sites.”

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However, not everyone is happy with the development, with the group Friends of Glebe Wetlands saying the development threatens a nearby colony of vulnerable grey-headed flying-foxes.

The grey-headed flying fox is Australia’s largest bat. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“We don‘t go chopping down trees, because trees sell,” Mr Littlewood said.

“A modification has moved the building area closer to the bats, but we've worked with everyone to get the job done.”

Spokesman for the group Hugh Pitty, who lives near the lagoon, said the area is one of seven identified as a “high priority breeding site” in NSW, and there have been more of the animals at the site since another was devastated by the Black Summer bushfires near Milton.

“There will be people living right on top of them if the homes are built,” he said.

“I walk around picking up flying fox pups, and we have no plan for their future.

Twenty three of the 25 lots have been sold so far. Picture: Littlewoods

“We know conflict with humans is a threat to the animals.”

Mr Pitty said the group is looking for “a wealthy benefactor” to help buy the lots, including those already sold.

In July they presented their concerns during a Bega Valley Shire Council meeting, who have been working on a management plan for the bats for almost four years.

Council’s Natural Assets Officer, Andrew Morrison, said the animals have been using the lagoon as a daytime roost and breeding site for around 10 years, arriving in spring and leaving in autumn.

The Friends of Glebe Wetlands group have spoken against the Littlewoods Estate development. Picture: Facebook

“They are listed as a vulnerable species and are protected by NSW and commonwealth legislation so any management actions need to consider the welfare of the flying foxes”, he said.

Mr Littlewood said work will accommodate the bats, with no construction going ahead until the “bulk” of the bats migrate, and on days above 38 degrees. Barbed wire fence has also been banned from the site.

“I want to provide affordable land and enjoy my job. This is the only development in town, so it‘s frustrating one group is trying to stop that,” Mr Littlewood said.

“Council has been really good, and has worked closely with us for the best outcome.

“Not everyone wants to live in the city.”