Some local residents had concerns about the potential risk of disease, and noise and odour from the camp.

The new sign provides information that may help them better understand the species. 

Read more: Building a friendlier bat colony

Council staff, residents and NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) experts have been encouraging Shoalhaven residents to engage with the issue by attending an information workshop at the Bomaderry Community Centre from 4-6pm on Tuesday, October 16.

Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley said residents are welcome to view information and give feedback online or attend an upcoming drop-in session on the issue.

“Since late 2017, staff have been in contact with the residents living within close proximity to the camp and discussing the unprecedented numbers of flying foxes and ways to mitigate any negative impacts,” she said.

“There are a lot of myths around flying foxes and how they interact with humans. They play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They pollinate flowers over long distances and distribute seeds in South Coast forests. They are facing the threat of habitat clearing, reduction in food sources, climate change and illegal killing.”

The new sign was erected with funds from a $41,355 OEH grant to Shoalhaven Council earlier in the year.

Council and the state government has been implementing a flying fox camp management plan and have opened a survey and forum on council’s ‘Get Involved’ page.

All local residents are welcome to take the online survey or to contact staff directly on 4429 3111.

If you ever encounter a microbat or flying fox on the ground, contact your local wildlife rescue group immediately.  This is not a natural place for them to be and they require help from a trained and vaccinated rescuer.  Never attempt to rescue or even handle a bat; this could pose a risk to yourself and to the animal.