Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has been assured of financial support from the government to combat flying fox colonies established in the heart of the town.
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It comes after a visit from Minister for Heritage Gabrielle Upton on Tuesday (July 24). Mrs Upton met with concerned residents near Kooloonbung Creek and Wrights Creek Bridge.
It followed a meeting with mayor Peta Pinson, the general manager of council Craig Swift-McNair and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams.
Mrs Upton said her trip to Port Macquarie, where she also visited and paid tribute to the work at the Koala Hospital, was very productive.
“I've seen with my own eyes where the colony is and have heard from the residents who are clearly distressed by the impact on their lifestyle,” she said.
Mrs Upton confirmed funding and programs are available to council.
“The first step is for the council to get through their process and get a plan of management,” she said.
“It is something they have committed to do over the next little while. When they have a plan as to how they are going to manage this colony, and if the plan ticks all the boxes, we will have funding available to them.
“I need them to work with us into the future. There are ways available to them now that I feel sure the mayor and general manager will be taking up."
The ball is now in council’s court, with Cr Pinson confirming a report would be compiled for the August meeting before a plan of management is developed.
"Soon after I was elected I came and met with a great gathering of residents who back on to this beautiful reserve (near Wrights Creek),” she said.
“It is a big issue for our community. Up until this point as a council we have been legislated and locked out of doing anything.
“Off the back of next month’s meeting we will seek funding and make an approach through our local member Leslie Williams, who has been very supportive.”
Cr Pinson said she can see no reason why this complex issue cannot be moved forward, however admitted it would take time.
“It's not an overnight fix. We have appealed to the minister’s goodwill and she has certainly responded well to that,” she said.
“I have been working towards this day and we are fortunate to have minister Upton here (to meet with residents and see the colony of flying foxes).”
A nearby resident whose home backs on to flying fox colony, who did not wish to be named, said their biggest concern is the destruction of forest and the physical impact the flying foxes have on residents.
"In 2003 there were no flying foxes on the eastern side of Kooloonbung Creek. They began to expand their numbers and by 2018 we now have this canopy being destroyed and the under story being degraded,” he said.
“As residents we are concerned that the colony is expanding and will extend behind other residents adjacent to the Kooloonbung reserve which is a large perimeter.”
Mrs Williams empathised with residents and was thrilled that a solution appeared to be forthcoming.
"You only have to stand in the area to understand (how they feel),” she said.
“It's quite smelly and obviously it impacts on the amenity of their lifestyle. Their concerns are genuine and longstanding.
“I'm hopeful we can continue to work with council and find solutions to some of the issues raised by residents.”