Sutherland Shire Council last night voted to spend $415,000 on moving flying foxes from a camp established at Kareela in Sydney’s south.
The council is appealing to the state government to fund half the cost but will press on with the works if the government refuses to assist.
The council will also ask the government to allow it to clear a larger vegetation buffer of 60 per cent at the site.
The moves follow reports that the flying foxes were found in trees on the grounds of Sylvanvale centre for children with special needs.
One parent reported that bats had been reported to have been found in the trees on the Sylvanvale grounds.
Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns tabled a mayoral minute at the Monday night council meeting stating: “In recent weeks the Kareela flying fox population has become more active during the day and is impacting negatively on the Sylvanvale, ASPECT, Bates Drive schools and the local community.
‘‘This is unacceptable. Council cannot allow children to be placed at risk by flying foxes.
“I am proposing that council make the strongest representations to the Minister for the Environment to substantially increase the vegetation buffer to 6o per cent of the site to ensure a solution to the community’s immediate concerns and to reduce the camp population by limiting the carrying capacity of the camp.
“The report by officers recommends a total allocation of $415,000. If the state or federal governments do not share some of the cost then this allocation must remain fully funded from our future works reserve.
‘‘This is a significant sum and impacts heavily on our budgeted works. It is, however, in my opinion critical for both the long and short term health of the children and the residents.”
Do you think the state government should assist with the removal of the flying foxes camp at Kareela ?
