At least 3000 bats arrived in the city-centre park in early December, and while numbers have since dropped to around 500, Bathurst Regional Council is keen to plan for the future.

Held on Monday in the park, around 20 people came along to find out more about the native animals and also to have their say on the colony’s future in the city.

Mayor Graeme Hanger said a range of issues raised were raised, including concerns that grey headed flying fox numbers had declined across Australia due to habitat loss.

“There were also questions around [Australian bat] lyssavirus, and the ecologists present [during the session] spoke to those concerned about the virus, and advised that catching the virus is extremely unlikely and can only occur if someone is bitten or scratched by a flying fox.”

Cr Hanger said the ecologists engaged by council would now draft the Flying Fox Camp Management Plan.

“The plan will describe the colony and their habitat, history of the colony, a range of management options, potential habitat in proximity to the park, and community education,” he said.

We expect draft plan will be placed on exhibition for public comment in late May for a month.

“The final version of the report will then be submitted to the Office of Environment and Heritage for approval.”

As council continues its preparation of the Flying Fox Camp Management Plan, an online survey has been created to allow the community to have its say.

The survey will remain open until Monday, April 30.