Eleven flying fox projects across Queensland including one in Noosa have been funded in the latest round of the state’s flying fox management grant program.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the Palaszczuk Government’s third round of funding would provide $300,000 to 10 councils to help protect and mange flying foxes in their communities.
“Flying foxes play a vital role in the local ecosystem, but when they congregate in large numbers at roosts, they can cause an issue with nearby communities due to the noise, smell and mess they generate,” Minister Scanlon said.
“Councils and Queenslanders told us they wanted help to lessen the impacts of flying-foxes on their communities while also making sure they can continue to play their important ecological role.
“That’s why we committed $2 million to help communities manage roosts and develop both immediate and longer-term programs that will promote a healthy co-existence. It’s about protecting the our environment and great lifestyle, while also helping councils provide better services and good jobs.
“These new projects will increase flying fox habitat by dealing with short-term issues, such as weed control, and developing long-term roost management plans for several roosts across a local government area.
“Of course, our strong environmental laws ensure that we continue to protect flying foxes, which helps maintain the biodiversity of our forests by dispersing seeds and pollen throughout Queensland.
“This funding has allowed the successful councils to develop projects to manage flying fox roosts in their communities, to reduce the impacts on nearby residents and promote co-existence with flying foxes.”
Noosa Council will receive $5000 to manage a roost at an aged care centre at Cooroy as part of the funding allocations.
Information about the grants program can be found at qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/bats/flying-foxes/managing-impacts-of-flying-foxes/flying-fox-roost-management-local-government-grants-program
