Amy Haydock | 25th May 201
YEPPOON'S infamous Ross Creek flying fox colony won't be going anywhere anytime soon, says LNP Member for Keppel Bruce Young.
Colonies in residential areas have been subject of an ongoing debate not only in the Central Queensland but also in other parts of the state.
And a promise that has not yet come through to Charters Towers by Premier Campbell Newman to allow farmers to apply for permits to shoot bats has sparked the question about Yeppoon's Ross Creek colony.
Mr Young said Rockhampton Regional Council had already decided that these bats would not be moved on.
"We provide the policy but it's up to council what actions are put in place," Mr Young said.
"I've only had one person concerned about it contact me."
He said the Newman Government was committed to protecting Queensland's native fauna and had clearly outlined the flying fox management policy which aimed to balance community safety and wildlife protection.
"The LNP will work with councils and landholders affected by nuisance colonies to ensure human health and agricultural productivity are not adversely affected," Mr Young said.
"We need to distinguish between small colonies and huge congregations, some in far excess of 100,000 in places like Charters Towers, Gayndah, Barcaldine and Bagara.
These massive urban colonies present significant health risks.
"Lethal DMPs will only be issued to farmers as an absolute last resort and will be issued only if applicants can show that they tried unsuccessfully to move bats on using non-lethal measures."
