Statement of Management Intent: Flying-Fox

Statement of Management Intent: Flying- Fox Statement of Intent

Brisbane City Council recognises the ecological importance of flying-foxes and their valuable contribution to sustaining Brisbane’s unique biodiversity. Council balances the protection of these native animals and habitat with community needs and expectations.

Where appropriate, Council will implement management actions on Council-owned or controlled land in order to minimise adverse impacts of flying-fox roosts on residents and the community.

Management actions will consider the level of impact to residents and the community, the cost of any measures to reduce impacts and the likely success of any proposed action.

Any decision will also consider the current legislation, laws, broader Council policy and objectives, and the Queensland Government Flying-fox Roost Management Guideline and Code of Practice: Ecologically sustainable management of flying-fox roost.

The management of roosts on private property within Brisbane’s Urban Flying-Fox Management Area remains the responsibility of the landholder. Private landholders may seek appropriate permission from the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to implement measures to reduce the impact of flying-foxes on their land. General Information

Flying-foxes are native nocturnal mammals that play a significant ecological role as long-range pollinators and seed dispersers of native vegetation. During the day, flying-foxes congregate in groups known as roosts. In some instances the population of a roost may number in the thousands.

In South East Queensland, there are three species of flying-fox that are protected under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992. These include the: - black flying-fox (Pteropus. alecto) - little red flying-fox (Pteropus. scapulatus) - grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus. poliocephalus).

The grey-headed flying-fox is afforded additional protection because of its declining numbers, and is listed as “Vulnerable” under the Commonwealth Environment and Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

In some instances, more than one species will be present in a single roost site and consideration must be given to the mix of species at the location. In addition, the population and species mix of a colony may vary significantly at any given time. Breeding seasons and changes to food availability are also key influences on the movement and roost populations.

The activities of flying-foxes sometimes bring them into conflict with residents. Primary concerns include noise, odour, droppings, feeding on fruit trees/orchards, human health and disease. Role of Council

Council is authorised under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, to manage flying-fox roosts in areas subject to an urban zoning under a council’s planning scheme, inclusive of a one-kilometre buffer around such areas. This area of management is known as the Urban Flying-Fox Management Area.

Where Council-owned or controlled land is inhabited, or affected by flying-foxes, and their presence significantly impacts residents or the community, Council will consider appropriate non- lethal measures to manage flying-fox roosts. Management Options

Management options outlined in Figure 1, summarise Council’s level of intervention for flying- foxes.

The following factors will be considered by Council in assessing the appropriate management action response: - proximity to residences - the species mix within a roost - legislative compliance - health risks to humans and domestic animals - land ownership - cost - likelihood of success of management actions.

Figure 1: Flying-fox Roost Management Options