Strategy supports conservation and co-existence with flying-foxes

The grey headed flying-fox, which is listed as a vulnerable species. Photo credit Judy Leitch.

Community feedback has contributed to the development of Scenic Rim Regional Council's updated Flying-Fox Management Strategy and long-term plans for managing roosts in urban areas. 

The strategy, together with roost management plans for Canungra Creek Lions Park and Beaudesert Lions Centennial Park, was adopted at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council and aims to reduce negative interaction between flying-foxes and Scenic Rim residents while acknowledging their status as protected species. 

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said that, since the release of the first Scenic Rim Flying-Fox Management Strategy in 2015, scientific advances had produced more innovative ways of managing the increasingly complex issue of conflict between affected residents and colonies of megabats. 

"This updated strategy aims to reduce the level of conflict between the animals and our community while providing improved conservation outcomes for flying-foxes, including the grey-headed flying-fox which is listed as a vulnerable species," he said. 

"The Scenic Rim has 14 known flying-fox roosts, whether seasonal or permanent, at areas including Witheren, Tamborine Mountain, Canungra and Beaudesert, all creating their own challenges for balancing conservation outcomes with community expectations. 

"Funding of $20,000 through the Local Government Grants Program has contributed to the development of roost management plans, in conjunction with community consultation, for the two sites of greatest conflict, Beaudesert and Canungra." 

A region-wide community survey was carried out in 2022 to better understand the conflict between residents and flying-foxes and identify potential strategies for assisting affected property owners through an updated flying-fox management strategy. 

Residents directly affected by the flying-fox roosts at Canungra and Beaudesert had the opportunity to provide feedback to Council and Ecosure consultants during site visits in March and April 2023. 

Following the announcement of the community consultation in August, 16 submissions received by email and through the Let's Talk Scenic Rim online community engagement platform also helped to inform the strategy document. 

The updated strategy provides precise guidance for Council in responding to community concerns over flying-foxes and includes the addition of support mechanisms for affected residents. 

The Scenic Rim's Biodiversity and Agribusiness Portfolio Councillor Duncan McInnes said the roost management plans provide a well-measured approach to reducing the overall impact of flying-foxes on the community. 

"The Beaudesert and Canungra roosts are both in popular parklands within the centre of each township and in close proximity to schools, homes, hotels, businesses and community spaces," he said. 

"The management strategy and roost management plans support community co-existence with flying-foxes, which play an important role in our ecosystem by dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants that are vital to the health of our native forests."