Gympie residents are pleading with state and federal governments to act as one of Australia’s largest flying fox colonies takes over parts of the regional city.
The citizens in the Queensland city have been plagued by bats in recent years, as the pest increasingly makes the town unlivable for many residents.
Complaints centre on constant screeching and droppings, which pose noise and health risks.
According to Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig, the colony has devalued properties to “basically zero”.
The colony, located in Commissioners Gully near the city centre, reached an estimated 320,000 bats during a 2021 count, according to Gympie Regional Council.
Flying fox droppings can carry viruses such as Lyssa and Hendra, both potentially fatal.
Mr Hartwig said residents’ welfare and safety are at risk, while laws make removing the bats extremely difficult.
“Residents were there first, and the bats have moved in,” he told the Daily Mail.
“Their mental health is suffering, their properties have been devalued to basically zero and the opportunity to move these bats on is restricted significantly by the legislation in place.”
Local resident Christopher Nevin described the situation as “shocking” after buying a home in Gympie four years ago.
“We have a mortgage, it would only be okay if we could pay off the entire mortgage and set ourselves up for a new place, because if we are financially worse off that would be horrible,” he said.
He and his partner found dead bats in their yard and suffered damage to their home from fallen branches.
The council is now pushing for a government buyback scheme.
“It’s a problem we’ve been dealing with for a number of years,” the Gympie Mayor said.
“We’re looking to advocate to the state and federal government to change legislation so that the residents there will no longer continue to suffer.
“It’s time the government pulled out their chequebook.”
Mr Hartwig stressed that homeowners must come before the bats.
“Their lives are more important than the bats,” he said.
Flying foxes in Queensland are protected under the Nature Conservation Act and at the federal level.
Some species, including the grey-headed flying fox, are classed as vulnerable.
They play a key role in pollination and seed dispersal, supporting local ecosystems.
Councils can manage flying foxes in towns, but only using non-lethal methods such as trimming tree branches or sprinklers.
The council hopes that by lobbying for a buyback program, authorities will finally take decisive action to protect residents.
SkyNews.com.au reached out to several council members.
One confirmed a decision would be made following their meeting on Wednesday.