Shire-wide flying-fox camp management plan preparation underway
20 April 2017
Council has commenced preparation of a management plan for the sixteen active flying-fox camps in the Shire and is seeking input from interested members of the community.
Council’s Senior Program Leader – Biodiversity, Scott Hetherington said “The intent of the consultation is to listen to people who have information about flying-fox camps. This will mean that we are best placed to develop management strategies for camps throughout the Shire”.
As flying-foxes are known to establish camps in close proximity to urban areas, the plan will identify management strategies to reduce impacts from the camps on residents, whilst ensuring that flying-foxes and their habitat are conserved.
“Flying-foxes are unique animals and play a critical role in the health of forests in the Tweed. As nocturnal foragers that can cover 30km a night, they are essential for the pollination and health of native forests,” Mr Hetherington said.
The NSW State Government has provided financial support for preparation of the plan through the Flying-foxes Grants Program. Ecological consultants, Ecosure have been appointed to prepare the plan and have extensive experience in the development of plans for local governments throughout the east coast of Australia.
Through developing and implementing flying-fox plans, Ecosure have guided the management of more than 100 camps to minimise impacts on the community, whilst also ensuring conservation of these critical native species. Ecosure’s expertise was recognised by the Federal Government with an invitation to present at the 2016 Parliamentary Inquiry into the Management of Flying-foxes in the Eastern States of Australia.
All camps will be assessed and management strategies developed to address any identified risks. Analysis will also be completed to identify potential camp habitat in low risk locations. The plan will also be prepared in accordance with the NSW Camp Management Policy, which will enable more efficient response to situations where there are impacts to residents from flying-fox camps.
Anyone wishing to provide input to the plan can make an appointment with Ecosure for one of the sessions detailed below. Appointments are 45 minutes and bookings can be made by contacting Ecosure at 07 5508 2046 or clicking on the links below. Bookings are essential.
Monday 8 May 2017, Kingscliff Community Hall from 2.00pm. https://tweedflyingfoxplan.eventsmart.com/events/kingscliff/
Wednesday 10 May 2017, Uki Hall from 2.00pm.
https://tweedflyingfoxplan.eventsmart.com/events/uki/