The plan will take into account new camp management options and legislation.

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about a flying fox colony at the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve.

The concerns range from noise to odour, defecation issues and damage to trees.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has unanimously agreed on a road map to develop a Kooloonbung Creek flying fox camp management plan.

Mayor Peta Pinson stressed the value of having the minister, Gabrielle Upton, here to see the problem firsthand. 

Mrs Upton met with concerned residents in July.

The council’s first step will be to establish a consultative committee for flying fox management in the Kooloonbung Creek area.

The council will invite membership nominations from affected residents, Office of Environment and Heritage representatives, Friends of Kooloonbung representatives, expert ecologists and other interested community representatives.

“The fact that the community can be on that committee is such a proactive approach,” Cr Pinson said.

“Who better to be part of the solution than the people that are faced with the problem?”

The council will prepare a project plan for the delivery of a camp management plan and associated community consultation, engagement and education.

A consultant will be engaged to assist in the preparation of the management plan, which takes into account new camp management options and legislation, and to undertake community consultation.

The management plan will fully explore all other options and outline the legislative obligations as well as the pros, cons and costs for management options.

The council will seek Office of Environment and Heritage funding for the management plan’s development and future implementation.

Resident William Turner, speaking at the August 15 council meeting, said people across Port Macquarie were aware of the ever growing problem.

“They only have to look into the night sky to see the vast population of bats the town is hosting,” he said.

“No one wants to see the bats hurt.

“What we want is a management plan which will deter the colonies expanding into areas closer to where people live and hopefully persuade some of the flying foxes to find nice accommodation away from the town.”

Mr Turner described the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve as the Hotel Hilton for flying foxes.

The flying fox numbers fluctuate at Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve.

The council report said flying fox numbers had been shown to vary from 5000 to 10,000 in winter to up to 165,000 during peak summer seasons

Cr Mike Cusato said the flying fox issue was an ongoing one.

He said the council could move forward and have a structured process in front of it.

Cr Lisa Intemann said she supported all of the actions, especially the quarterly updates so people were aware of the progress.

Cr Rob Turner said it appeared the grey-headed flying fox was in decline in most of Australia, but in Port Macquarie, it seemed to be going the other way.

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