How do you feel about Flying-foxes and their habitats?

Published on 25 January 2022

Have your say - Flying-foxes_.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council is seeking community input to develop a Flying-fox Roost Management Plan.

Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said this will provide a framework for an adaptive tactic to manage habitat and roost areas.

“Flying-foxes have been regular visitors to our region, with some taking up residence in roosts that are especially close to our community in recent years,” Cr Mathers said.

“The plan will focus on three flying-fox roosts located at the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and townships of Westwood and Kabra.

“It’s going to serve as a guide to how we respond to community concerns, and provide a transparent framework that Council will use to inform decision-making about flying-fox habitat and populations.

Parks Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the plan is three-fold; to protect our natural assets in the Botanic Gardens, deliver benefits to impacted communities, while also conserving flying-foxes and the important ecosystem services they provide.

“Flying-foxes are an extremely important part of the biodiversity of our region and we are required under legislation to protect them,” Cr Rutherford said.

“We also have a commitment to reduce the impact on our communities and to protect the heritage listed botanical collection in the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

“It is so important that we strike the right balance with how we manage our flying–fox populations and their impacts, now and into the future.

“We are seeking valuable feedback from the community that will help inform the Rockhampton Regional Council Flying Fox-Management Plan.

“Please take 10-15 minutes and have your say in a community survey that will make a difference to how Council manages local Flying fox populations, their habitats and impacts to the community.”

This project has received funding support from the Queensland Government’s Flying-fox Roost Management Local Government Grants Program.

Take the survey here: https://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/