DISPERSAL of the Kareela flying fox colony is expected to start at the end of this month.
Sutherland Shire Council will spend $850,000 to disperse the estimated 18,000 flying foxes in the colony, which are affecting the grounds of nearby Sylvanvale Mikarie Child Care Centre, Bates Drive Public School and Aspect South East Sydney School.
The extent of the problem at Kareela is emphasised by the news that Pittwater Council will start its own dispersal process next Monday to remove hundreds of flying foxes from Cannes Reserve, Avalon, using noise, spotlights and smoke.
The Avalon colony is estimated to vary from 250 to 3500 flying foxes and Pittwater Council has budgeted $120,000 for the program, which includes the cost of any repeat attempts.
Sutherland Shire Council environment health and regulation committee chairwoman, councillor Tracy Cook, said the council had been hampered by the "ridiculous regulations" surrounding the management of flying foxes since 2008.
"It's been a costly, arduous process that has taken years without yielding a single result," Cr Cook said.
"The bats are still comfortable in their home and we've been forced to do everything except take them out for a latte.
"Finally we are permitted to spend more ratepayers' money to relocate the bats and subsequently protect the health of our children.
"Clearly no one is telling the bats where they're supposed to go.
"If this wasn't such a serious situation it would be a comedy. The environmental regulations are costly and ineffective, and frustratingly tie council's hands when it comes to protecting the kids in a quick, effective manner."
The Office of Environment and Heritage regional operations director Tom Grosskopf warned that the dispersal of the Kareela camp could result in the council undertaking a range of follow-up actions should the flying foxes move to other undesirable locations.
Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns said the dispersal approval by the Office of Environment and Heritage comes with pages of stringent conditions.
A grey headed flying fox expert, approved by the Office of Environment and Heritage, is to undertake a population survey of the camp to determine the flying fox numbers, including dependant young, both flightless and flying, and lactating or late-pregnancy females.
Residents have to be notified one week before the dispersal action.
The community should not interfere with dispersal to enter the reserve while it is taking place.
The council will develop a protocol for injured, sick and orphaned flying foxes, for the handling of injured grey headed flying foxes or abandoned young, and provide contact details of rescue and rehabilitation organisations.
Landowners that manage grey headed flying fox camps within 30 kilometres must be informed of the intended start date of dispersal.
Do you agree with the dispersal plan?
