Flying-fox dispersal in Charters Towers postponed

In a joint decision, Charters Towers Regional Council and the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have decided to postpone next week’s planned flying-fox dispersal at Charters Towers.

Mayor Frank Beveridge said the number of flying-foxes currently roosting at Lissner Park is less than ideal.

“A recent count showed only around 700 Black and no Little Red flying-foxes currently roosting in Lissner Park,” he said.

“This is close to 80 per cent lower than the numbers we usually see at the park.

“To go ahead and move on the bats now would not be the most effective use of ratepayer and taxpayer money,” he said.

Environmental contractors Ecosure were scheduled to start dispersal work next week after being engaged by DES.

The contractors were going to use several non-harmful dispersal techniques to encourage the flying-foxes to relocate to a specially constructed artificial roost outside of Charters Towers at Young’s Block.

Mayor Beveridge said he understands the community’s frustrations over this issue.

“We’ve been dealing with this ongoing flying-fox problem for close to 20 years,” he said.

"Unfortunately, like all wildlife, flying-foxes movement patterns are largely unpredictable.

“A lot of factors have to be just right to give this new approach to flying-fox dispersal the best chance of success, and unfortunately that is just not the case right now,” Mayor Beveridge said.