Help shape Flying Fox Management in the Whitsundays
Consultation has ended and feedback is under review. If you would like to hear about consultation results, click follow project (right).
We are seeking feedback to develop a Collinsville Roost Management Plan and Region-wide Flying Fox Strategy, that informs how we budget, resource and manage Flying fox management actions into the future. Currently, only one urban roost exists in Collinsville, however, several roosts have appeared in urban areas in the past, most recently in Proserpine. We are seeking feedback to inform the Collinsville Roost Management Plan and Strategy, including:
- Understanding community sentiment and experiences with Flying fox
- Understanding of Flying fox impacts on residents
- Perception of Flying fox management actions and preferred approaches
- Concerns and limitations for Flying fox management actions
Please review our Fact sheet, Case studies and Frequently Asked Questions to develop your understanding of Flying fox and management options, to help inform survey responses. Have your say via the survey below before Sunday 7 July 2024 or visit our team to discuss at:
- Information stall - Collinsville Shopping Centre Wednesday 12 June (morning)
- Information stall - Darcy Munro Park pump track opening Wednesday 12 June (afternoon)
- Public meeting with Flying Fox consultant at Collinsville Community Centre on Tuesday 2 July, 5:30pm
Currently, we are monitoring the Flying fox roost in Collinsville until community feedback can inform our next steps for short and long term actions.
Flying-foxes are a keystone species, for their critical role in long-distance pollination and seed dispersal. These ecosystem services are particularly important over fragmented landscapes and to allow forests to adapt to threats such as climate change.
Within the Whitsunday Region, two species are most prevalent:
- Little Red Flying Fox – migratory, often appearing in our Region from June - November
- Black Flying Fox
The activities of Flying foxes sometimes bring them into conflict with residents. Primary concerns include noise, odour, droppings, feeding on fruit trees, human health and disease.
Presently, there are several roosts within our Region, with a major roost creating the greatest impact for people located in the urban area of Collinsville. The roost fluctuates in numbers throughout the year, with an endemic population of Black Flying Fox ranging from a few hundred to 1,600 (end of May 2024). The annual migration of Little Red Flying Fox from June – November results in peaks of over 26,000.
