SAFETY nets may be used to cover playgrounds next to the Kareela grey-headed flying fox colony rather than trying to disperse the camp, a Sutherland Shire Council report says.
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Dispersing the flying foxes should be the last option, as it could be expensive, costing up to $569,000, and may have a low chance of success.
The report says it might only shift the problem to another part of the shire, meaning the council would end up spending more to manage the flying foxes in a different spot.
The council spent $70,000 preparing the draft plan of management for the flying fox camp.
Community consultation showed overwhelming opposition to the dispersal of the colony.
Some were worried that the dispersal would create unsustainable flying fox populations at Wolli Creek which has also been affected by the recent eviction of the animals from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sydney Trains and Sydney Airport also objected to the camp's relocation to Wolli Creek, with the airport saying relocation posed serious safety concerns through a possible strike by a jet engine.
Hurstville, Rockdale and Canterbury councils also strongly opposed the dispersal of the Kareela colony, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service said it should be only a last resort if other management actions failed.
Instead, the draft plan of management for the Kareela colony recommends health and safety measures, community education on health risks and the modifying of the buildings and grounds of nearby properties and schools.
This includes placing bat safe netting over the playgrounds within 50 metres of the camp at Sylvanvale, Mikarie and other nearby childcare centres to eliminate the risk of children and staff coming into contact with the flying foxes. This has an estimated cost of $50,000.
Planting trees such as conifers and shrubs could reduce odour; clearing vegetation, and fencing off the camp are other possibilities mentioned.
The final plan of management will be presented to the council in February.
What do you think should be done to manage the flying fox problem at Kareela?
