Nudge Off! Council Embark On Series Of 'Nudging' Efforts To Remove Flying Fox Roosts

Concerns about the dangers posed by the resident flying fox population in Home Hill were addressed by Council at a lively Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last week.

Many locals attended to voice their frustration about the disruptive species, which not only defecate on children's play equipment but also cause noise and pose a potential risk of disease to nearby residents.

Some locals reported that children are unable to use the nearby playground due to the prevalence of these native pests.

For years, various measures have been implemented to relocate the flying fox roosts to less populated and public areas with some success, but this year, the population seems to be larger than usual.

To tackle the issue head-on, Council has enlisted the help of a flying fox expert who successfully implemented similar initiatives in the Hinchinbrook region. The expert has since moved to the Burdekin to share their knowledge and lead the department.

A representative of this department, Paul Day, Manager for Environment and Health Services at Burdekin Shire Council, addressed the Chamber meeting attendees to provide an overview of the department’s plans.

He assured the crowd that Council is well aware of the problem and has developed a staged plan to address the situation.

The flying fox population has spread to areas such as Kidby’s Gully, Memorial Park, Lloyd Mann Park, and 12th Avenue. Burdekin Shire Council has confirmed that it is actively monitoring these four designated sites in Home Hill.

The first stage involves targeted “nudging” — a method using noise and other techniques to encourage the bats to move on. Around eight to 10 Council staff will carry out this work over several days in the lead-up to Anzac Day. However, no activity will take place on Anzac Day itself, out of respect, as the process involves the use of firearms. The aim is to have the key areas looking presentable and as clear as possible for the day’s commemorations.

The second stage will see a larger, more intensive operation aimed at relocating the Flying Foxes from Home Hill entirely. This effort will require between 20 to 24 trained staff, with activities starting as early as 4 am. Given the nature of the work, staff involved in the initiative must hold gun licences, and Council is required to obtain special permits and additional equipment.

Council representatives stated that meetings are already underway to finalise the necessary paperwork and approvals, with applications expected to be submitted immediately. Once a date is confirmed for the large-scale operation, the community will be informed via local and social media channels.

However, Council has warned that despite careful planning, there is no guarantee the Flying Foxes will move as intended. Some may relocate to private properties, but Council has committed to working with affected residents to manage the situation.

Experts from Biodiversity Australia will also be involved, providing oversight to ensure the operation complies with legislation and animal welfare guidelines. Special consideration will be given to the presence of juvenile bats, making the timing of the operation critical.

Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with the community and experts to resolve the issue as quickly and carefully as possible, with residents growing worried that the Flying Foxes would not be removed before Anzac Day.

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