Byron Shire Council's Draft Flying-fox Camp Management Plan is on public exhibition.
Flying-foxes are native mammals and play a vital role as pollinators, however because of habitat clearing, some of their camps are well-established in urban areas of the Shire.
Claudia Caliari, Council's Biodiversity Projects Officer, said the draft plan provides a framework for how Council will respond to community concerns about flying-foxes, whilst recognising their importance to the natural environment.
It includes:
- Ecological assessments on known flying-fox camps.
- A proposal for engagement with Indigenous stakeholders to share strategies and improve current management.
- Heat stress strategy, recognising the impact of weather and climate change on flying-foxes.
- Community Education and Awareness strategy.
"Council recently finished a wide-spread education campaign called No Bat No Me, and we have been working very hard to show the community how crucial flying-foxes are," Ms Caliari said.
There are currently 20 identified flying-fox camps in the Byron Shire, with eight of those in urban areas in Mullumbimby, Bangalow, Ocean Shores and Byron Bay.
"Flying-foxes are a protected species and we need to learn to coexist so I am hoping people will take the time to read the draft management plan and let us know their thoughts, issues and concerns," Ms Caliari said.
The closing date for submissions is 22 February 2024.
