While the skies are quiet for now, Eurobodalla residents are reminded that spring is traditionally the time of year when flying-foxes start to return to the area seeking food and shelter.
Historically the Grey-headed flying foxes have set up camps in the Batemans Bay Water Gardens, Catalina, Moruya Heads, Tuross Head and Narooma.
Council’s Manager of Environmental Services Deb Lenson said Council is continuing to monitor all known sites on a regular basis for any signs of their return.
“If residents notice flying foxes setting up day-time camps we’d like to know about it.
“We’re in regular contact with adjoining shires and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage regarding the movements of flying-foxes in locations outside of the Eurobodalla.
“At the moment, we understand that the closest camps are at Bomaderry and there are camps in Sydney and a larger camp in Tamworth,” Ms Lenson said.
“Flying-foxes are regular visitors to our region and are important pollinators of our forests.
“In most cases the numbers in camps are manageable and while we do not expect to see a repeat of the 2016 numbers that caused so much distress to residents around the Water Gardens and in the Batemans Bay area, we do anticipate when there are more flowering native plants, we may see some flying-foxes return.”
To assist with future management, Council will develop a Eurobodalla-wide flying-fox management plan.
“This plan will help Council manage the impacts of flying-foxes on residents while conserving the threatened species and their local habitats,” Ms Lenson said.
“It will identify when specific management options should be considered based on changing circumstances.
“Once we get started on the plan we’ll be engaging with the community and that feedback will form an important part of the plan development.”
The community can assist by reporting any day-time flying-fox activity to Council’s flying fox officer Mitchell Jarvis on 4474 1263 or completing the website form at www.esc.nsw.gov.au Media Release
