Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast to tackle flying-fox crisis with grants
Seven councils will receive extra state funding to manage problem flying-fox roosts, as complaints from residents escalate about the bats’ noise, overpowering stench, and increased health hazards.
QLD News
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Seven Queensland councils will get between $16,000 and $70,000 each to deal with nuisance flying-fox roosts in their cities.
Logan and Ipswich councils will get $16,120 from the Department of the Environment while Gold Coast will get $29,826 to kill trees which house two roosts.
Scenic Rim received the most with $45,500 for roost management at Rathdowney and a further $25,550 for problem colonies at Canungra.
Sunshine Coast will get $34,397 while Mount Isa will receive $38,500 to develop a region-wide roost management plan, to tackle the growing flying-fox problem at multiple sites.
Although the department was not clear about whether the nature of the measures in Logan extended to exterminating the animals, it said the money would be spent on “management plans” for two colonies.
Ipswich will spend its allocation on “enhancing” a flying-fox roost at Woodend and on weed management and understorey planting to increase the heat stress resilience of the roost.
Flying-foxes suffer from heat stress at around 38°C with many of the animals roosting closer to the ground.
The grants were made after an additional $1.5 million was added to the state Flying-Fox Roost Management — Local Government Grant Program.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the funding aimed to balance the ecological importance of flying-foxes with the wellbeing of local communities.
Deputy director-general Ben Klaassen said flying foxes were essential for native forests, but they were also creating significant challenges for councils trying to manage roosts in urban areas.
“This funding will help reduce the nuisance impacts while ensuring these protected species are managed responsibly.”
While conservationists highlight the ecological importance of flying-foxes, local residents living near roosts have complained about the unbearable stench, relentless noise, and potential health hazards caused by colonies.
For residents living near these colonies, the funding can’t come soon enough.
Many have been enduring years of sleepless nights and health concerns as the bats’ overwhelming presence grows.
In Logan, suburbs such as Beenleigh, Eagleby, and Waterford have been particularly affected by flying-fox colonies that have taken up residence in local parks and reserves along the city’s river system.
Residents have complained about the deafening screeches that begin at dusk and last until dawn, making it nearly impossible to sleep.
The overpowering smell of bat droppings has turned backyards into no-go zones, with washing lines and outdoor furniture regularly coated in foul-smelling waste.
“It’s an absolute nightmare,” said Waterford resident Mark Taylor, whose home backs on to a park where a large flying-fox colony has settled.
“The noise is relentless, the smell is unbearable, and I can’t even let my kids play outside without worrying about disease.”
Health concerns are at the forefront of community complaints, with flying-foxes known to carry Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) and Hendra virus.
While transmission to humans is rare, the presence of bats in urban areas increases the risk of contact, especially for pets and children.
■ Southeast Queensland has Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome which occurs after rain and with this summer one of the worst.
If you have a sick flying-fox in your area, call these numbers:
WRQ on 0478 901 801
BCRQ on 0488 228 134
Bats Qld on 0477 222 889.
Remember never touch a bat unless you are trained and vaccinated. Protect them by covering with a washing basket or towel, and put dogs and cats away until rescuers arrive.
Originally published as Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast to tackle flying-fox crisis with grants
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