Works likely to start April 2016

Council signed off on flying fox management actions in November 2015. These were developed in consultation with stakeholders and experts, aimed at providing some relief for residents living beside the Wallace Park colony.

The actions include selective vegetation clearing to create 10 metre buffers between homes and the colony. Council is also looking at sprinkler trials to increase the separation further.

However, Council is restricted from starting this work while the colony is home to young grey-headed flying foxes, not yet able to fly on their own, and pregnant grey-headed flying foxes.

Grey-headed flying foxes are classed as vulnerable and their presence means the Wallace Park Bushland Reserve qualifies as a nationally significant camp under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Council appreciates nearby residents’ frustration, but we are monitoring the colony and keeping in regular contact with federal and state government agencies, flying fox experts and stakeholders. Council hopes to commence works in March or April once the young flying foxes are independent. This will be determined in cooperation with flying fox experts and state agencies.”