A population of 9000 flying foxes that once lived in relative isolation near Bomaderry Creek have moved closer to residential housing, near a wetland at Bomaderry.
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Wildlife Rescue South Coast volunteer Janine Davies said a $41,355 state government grant to Shoalhaven Council would help address community concerns about the colony.
“We do realise not everyone is happy with the bat population,” Mrs Davies said.
“People don’t like the noise or the smell.
“We have been working hand in hand with the Office of Environment and Heritage and council to try and minimise the effect of flying foxes on the community.”
Flying foxes are a native, vulnerable, keystone species.
The population will remain where it is, with some buffers and provision of supplies at nearby homes to reduce the impacts from the camp.
Dispersal would cost in the realms of $600,000.
“We are moving in on territory that has always been bushland,” Mrs Davies said.
“If they were to be dispersed they could just move a couple of streets away, you can’t make them go anywhere.”
Mrs Davies also volunteers for the Shoalhaven Bat Clinic and Sanctuary.
“Without them pollinating, and dispersing seeds, other species are going to be affected,” Mrs Davies said.
The grant is being offered under the OEH-funded Flying-foxes Grants Program administered by Local Government NSW to assist councils to manage flying-fox camps in their area.