Second attempt at Flying fox dispersal at Coolum

Council will be at Coolum from 4am on Wednesday (July 1) in a second attempt to disperse a colony of Flying foxes which have returned to the Elizabeth Street drain bushland area. The non-lethal methods of noise, smoke and lighting will take place before sunrise each morning for up to one week to hopefully make returning to the roost after an evening’s foraging unappealing to the Flying foxes.

The activities may extend to the other known roost within Coolum, the Cassia Wildlife Corridor, as Council tries to provide on-going relief to residents in areas impacted by the smell and noise.

Division 9 Councillor Steve Robinson said even through Council had identified a lot of suitable low conflict habitat across the region for these mammals, it was unable to control where the Flying foxes ended up.

“A second dispersal attempt is our only option to provide some short-term relief to residents. However, just like last time, there is no guarantee that it will be successful,” Cr Robinson said.

“The Flying foxes returned to the roost this morning (Monday) about four weeks after the end of the initial attempt in May.

“We expect that the Flying foxes did move to other roost sites around the region, but unfortunately they have come back, possibly due to a plentiful food supply.

“The dispersal actions are controlled by strict conditions and Council has until mid to late July for these attempts before females of the protected species become heavily pregnant and are unable to be moved.”

Any Flying fox intervention has unknown consequences. Council will be monitoring at known roost and habitat sites within the region to assess the outcome of these management actions.

If Coolum Beach residents observe Flying foxes in their backyards during the dispersal (daytime only), they are advised to contact Council on 0409 736 512 or email Council  - [email protected].