Media Release - Flying Fox Management Update

Due to increased Flying Fox activity in recent weeks and attempts to establish a new camp adjacent to Berwick Street, Council will be escalating the current maintenance works program of dispersal activities commencing Wednesday 27 January 2021, weather permitting.

The program will focus on the Berwick Street area and will be conducted from as early as 4.30am, It will involve the use of additional techniques that may cause some disruption to residents and members of the public in the area. Residents are asked to ensure that they secure all pets during the operation times.

Council thanks residents for their continued support and assistance throughout the past 12 months and into the future as all efforts are made to disperse the flying foxes in accordance with the Code of Practice.

Mayor Jayo has said, “Council staff commence work at 4.30am and we understand that the noise may cause some temporary inconvenience however, this is far better than allowing the group to return. We ask that you please be courteous to staff during this time as they are just doing their job.”

Throughout the course of the project Council and ground staff would appreciate that members of the public and local residents do not interfere with the works being undertaken.

Private landowners are reminded that if flying foxes land in your trees, you are allowed to dissuade them from staying, by use of non-destructive disturbance techniques including smoke, water sprinklers, visual deterrents such as imitation predators and bright lights and noise from various commercial or improvised products.

Please do not attempt to touch a bat with bare hands as we do not want you scratched or bitten.

For further information on what you can and can not do with flying foxes, please visit the Department of Environment and Science website at www.des.qld.gov.au.

For further information, please contact the Office of the Mayor and CEO on 4776 4600.