Council to act on flying foxes

LOCKYER Valley Regional councillors have unanimously agreed “today is the day” they do something about flying fox colonies in the region.

Councillor Dave Neuendorf declared at last week's meeting of Lockyer Valley Regional Council that, “Today's the day we do something about the flying fox problem.”

Councillors were considering a draft report commissioned to detail the issues and options relating to a flying fox camp in the vicinity of Gatton's Amaroo Retirement Village.

Mayor Steve Jones said discussion surrounding the problem had gone on for long enough.

“We've seen what's happening with the Hendra virus,” he said.

“The numbers of flying foxes in this area have grown enormously, and the episode at Amaroo has gone on for too long.”

Graham Moon said the bat colony along Tenthill Creek at the rear of Amaroo aged care facility was threatening the well being of elderly residents, and had the potential to threaten young children in a nearby learning centre.

Janice Holstein said council had already received permission to remove Chinese elm trees from the creek.

“Why don't we just move in now and cut down those trees? To hell with writing another letter to DERM,” Cr Holstein said.

Cr Neuendorf successfully moved that council contact Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Minister Tim Mulherin seeking an immediate mitigation permit to deal with the problem.

Council also agreed to seek legal advice on whether it could take immediate action to remove the Chinese elm trees.