Flying-foxes are vital in maintaining some of Australia’s most significant ecosystems, acting as pollen and seed dispersers for a wide range of native plants.

For a range of possible reasons, including the loss of natural habitat and the expansion of human settlements, flying fox camps are becoming more common in urban areas across the east coast.

These camps and the behaviours of the flying foxes can have notable economic, social and health impacts on residents, businesses and farmers, and have put pressure on some local councils to take action.

The flying fox camp at Wingham, a signficant roosting and maternity site for the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox, is not managed by MidCoast Council. It is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as the camp is part of the Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.

The Committee Chair, Andrew Broad MP, said that it is vital that the appropriate environmental protections for nationally protected flying-foxes are based on sound research and data.

“These protections should translate into conservation and recovery efforts that have meaningful effect, while limiting the impacts on affected communities at the same time,” Mr Broad said.

“Nationally protected flying foxes are environmentally important, and we need to ensure they continue to thrive into the future. At the same time, we’ve been listening to communities along the eastern seaboard, and it’s clear that the impacts of flying-foxes on affected residents can be significant.

“The Committee has heard that impacts can range from the inability of some residents to use outside areas, due to smell, noise and waste impacts, to the considerable disruption caused by large camps in the middle of business districts or adjoining nature parks. 

“Residents and councils need additional support to help communities understand the protections, legal requirements, and the management options open to them.”

Mr Broad said the Committee sought to make recommendations that complement existing efforts to protect, conserve and recover affected flying-fox populations, while providing support for the local councils who are often tasked with the complex job of balancing regulatory requirements and the pressing needs of local communities.

“These recommendations are designed to provide some immediate support and guidance for relevant stakeholders,” Mr Broad said.

“The inquiry also highlighted the need for better co-ordination across all levels of government, additional funding and research, and clearer guidance for decision making.”

To that end, the Committee has recommended the establishment of a co-operative body to co-ordinate and compile information on management actions undertaken across the country, and identify policy and research priorities relating to nationally protected flying-foxes across all levels of government.

In addition, the Committee has also called for funding for these priority actions and research, and the development of a decision-making tool and education resources for local councils and the community.

The Committee’s report and further details about the inquiry – including submissions, terms of reference, and the roundtable public hearing transcript – can be obtained from the Committee’s website at www.aph.gov.au/flyingfoxes.