IT was around this time last year that flying foxes became a problem in Machattie Park, leading to calls for actions to rid the trees of them.
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Bathurst Regional Council, suspecting there could be a problem again in the 2018-19 summer, came up with a plan of how to manage any camps that start to roost in the park.
But, for now, it looks like council won’t need to execute much of that plan.
“There are no Flying Foxes roosting in Machattie Park at this stage,” mayor Graeme Hanger said.
“Council staff continue to monitor the park for the presence of the flying foxes.
“Flying foxes are seasonal visitors to many locations in eastern Australia. They may not return to Machattie Park or even Bathurst each year.”
Although there aren’t any flying foxes to be seen yet, council has embarked on an education campaign to raise awareness about the animals.
Community education falls under the Flying fox Camp Management Plan, adopted in September.
“We have held several tree planting sessions with school groups to help rehabilitate flying fox habitat on the banks of the Macquarie River and the students were also provided with information about flying foxes, their role in our environment, threats to their survival and how to plant habitat trees,” Cr Hanger said.
Council has made updated information available on its website and stocked brochures on living with flying foxes at the civic centre.
The management plan also includes actions to be undertaken in Machattie Park if they are required.
“If the flying foxes roost in the park we will also erect educational signage in the park,” Cr Hanger said.
“As per the Flying Fox Camp Management Plan, council has also resolved to undertake additional cleaning and raking under the camp in the park.”
Council will not undertake any dispersal or deterrent methods should the animals return, as they were deemed to be ineffective based on the expense and low success rates seen elsewhere.
