Bat dispersal success lauded

Councillor Tracy Cook lodged a motion on behalf of the council at the NSW Local Government Conference at Rosehill last week.

It was supported by delegates at the conference.

"I was delighted that councillors across the state agreed whole-heartedly that now is the time to force federal and state environment ministers to re-examine the grey headed flying fox problem," Cr Cook said.

"Bats are invading our urban areas while abandoning their natural habitats, and the lengths we go to to protect them are farcical.

"It is time that their population is counted to determine if they really are still a vulnerable and protected species, as human health is paramount.

"Yet local councils are often forced to endure tedious Office of Environment and Heritage regulations that focus on caring, nurturing and protecting a species that carries fatal disease risks for humans.

The council is spending $850,000 to disperse the Kareela flying fox camp.

The colony, which has an estimated 18,000 flying foxes, is affecting the grounds of the nearby Sylvanvale Mikarie Child Care Centre, which cares for more than 150 children aged up to six including children with disabilities, the Bates Drive Public School and Aspect South East Sydney School. The creatures fly low over the outdoor play area of the schools, leaving faecal droppings on play areas and equipment. Teachers have had to evacuate the playground a number of times.

Cr Cook said that no flying foxes have been observed permanently roosting at the camp since August 24.

"The council has now moved into [the] maintenance dispersal phase which involves light, smoke and noise six days per week within the hour prior to sunrise to deter any migrating flying foxes from roosting at the former Kareela camp," she said.

"The dispersal process has been so efficient, economical and effective that it may become the model."