Sutherland Shire Council will pursue a plan to disperse the much-debated Kareela flying fox camp while it waits for the ok from the state and federal governments.
The council had two options - ground action at a cost of $320,000 or all-out dispersal costing up to $1.5 million.
It decided on Monday night to continue with its full dispersal action plan while awaiting word from the state and federal government about whether it can proceed.
The council will also write to the governments requesting support for its license applications to be allowed to disperse the Kareela Flying Fox camp on health grounds for children in schools next to the camp.
“Children have a right to go to school where they will be safe,” Cr Tracy Cook said.
The problem became more pressing last summer with flying fox activity affecting the grounds of the nearby Sylvanvale Mikarie Child Care Centre, which cares for more than 150 children aged up to 6 and including children with disabilities, and the Bates Drive Public School and Aspect South East Sydney School.
Many bats were flying low over the outdoor play area of Sylvanvale during the day, leaving faecal droppings on play areas and equipment.
Teachers had to evacuate the playground a number of times.
The schools requested the council pursue the ground action plan as a priority over dispersal.
This includes fencing and installing shade-cloth to reduce the impacts of the camp on the playgrounds.
Residents living nearby prefer all-out dispersal but there is no guarantee that would work.
Research has shown that dispersed bats don't move far - 63 per cent of cases move less than 600 metres.
In 85 per cent of cases they established new camps near by.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney spent more than $2 million to disperse bats and are still spending to prevent their return.
Fencing between the schools and the camp could cost up to $200,000 and extra shade-cloth to reduce the faecal droppings in the playground could cost $75,000.
The council allocated $415,000 funding last December to tackle the problem but also has to fulfil its requirement under legislation to protect the flying foxes which are a threatened species.
The recommendation from the council’s environmental staff is to implement the ground action plan due to the the high cost of dispersal.
But the final decision will be with the councillors.
What do you think Sutherland Shire Council should do about the Kareela Flying Fox camp?
