BATHURST Regional Council is seeking community input as it develops a plan to manage the flying foxes that have taken up residence in the city’s CBD.
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The flying foxes established a camp in Machattie Park late last year and have been a source of some controversy due to the faeces they drop from the branches and the fears of damage they may cause to long-established trees.
Council says the main species in Machattie Park is the grey-headed flying fox, which is listed as a threatened species. The little red flying fox is also present, but in smaller numbers.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said the development of a “camp management plan” will include strategies to deal with the flying foxes without harming them and ensuring Machattie Park is maintained for all its users.
“The plan will be developed with input from the community to ensure that relevant issues are addressed and appropriate management strategies are identified,” he said.
“Council wants to hear from members of the community and take into account the community’s experiences and concerns regarding the flying foxes and their management.”
Council says interested community members can complete the online survey on the Your Say Bathurst website or call in to the community feedback drop-in session to be held near the rotunda in Machattie Park this Monday, April 23 between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
The management plan will be developed and submitted to the Office of Environment and Heritage for approval prior to any management actions being taken.
Council says the flying foxes are seasonal visitors that will move on as the cooler temperatures continue.
The development of the camp management plan is being funded through Local Government NSW and the NSW Government’s Flying Fox Grant Program.
For more information on flying foxes, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au