Flying fox management report open for public comment

A flying fox management report commissioned by Council is now open for public consultation on Council’s YourSay Noosa website.

The report, along with the results of the public consultation, will form the basis of Council’s flying fox management actions.

The commissioned report has been developed by Ecosure Consulting, recognised experts in flying fox management.

Ecosure has assessed the flying fox camp and met with key stakeholders and neighbours including the Tewantin-Noosa Bowls Club.

Council’s Principal Environment Officer, Peter Milne, said: “Council acknowledges that flying foxes at Wallace Park are a problem to some neighbouring residents.

“There are also other community members who are protective of the Wallace Park Bushland Reserve and the flying foxes, so it is important that we approach flying fox management in a sensitive and considered manner.

“Ecosure was engaged because they are experienced in this type of review.”

The report includes suggestions such as selective tree trimming and tree removal to increase the buffer between flying fox habitats and neighbours.

Mr Milne said Ecosure’s recommendations did not include dispersing the flying foxes, which reinforced Council’s view that it rarely works, and typically creates further problems, as seen elsewhere.

Council is already undertaking some of the actions that Ecosure recommends.

To review and have your say on the flying fox management report please visit Council's YourSay Noosa website or email mail@noosa.qld.gov.au.  The consultation is open between October 14 and November 4

14 October 2015