Flying-foxes

Flying Fox Roosting Patterns

• Flying foxes are highly mobile and often move between roosts depending on food availability and other environmental factors.
• It is common for them to establish temporary roosts and leave shortly afterward. The sudden appearance of flying foxes on your property does not necessarily mean they will stay permanently.
• Nevertheless, Council encourages residents to report any new roosting activity, regardless of duration.

Permanent or Long-Term Roosts

• Long-term roosts may expand, contract, or shift slightly within a general area based on the season, weather conditions, and population size.
• If flying foxes appear to be establishing a permanent presence on your property—or if you are concerned that this may occur—please take note of the following:

Key Information for Residents:

1. Legislative Responsibility
   
   • Local Government entities are not legislatively obligated to manage flying foxes on private property.
   • All matters involving potential harm or disturbance to flying foxes fall under the jurisdiction of the Queensland Government, specifically the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
   • Reports regarding flying fox harm or roost disturbance should be directed to DETSI.
2. Council's Role
   
   • Councils may manage flying fox roosts on public land located within Urban Flying Fox Management Areas, in accordance with a defined Code of Practice.
   • Gympie Regional Council (GRC) follows a low-impact, staged approach to roost management as outlined in its Statement of Management Intent(PDF, 2MB) (SoMI).
3. Legal Protections
   
   • Flying foxes and their roosts are protected under the following legislation:
     • Nature Conservation Act 1992 (QLD)
     • Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
     • Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (QLD)
   • It is an offence to harm or disturb flying foxes. Breaches are investigated by the appropriate state departments and may result in prosecution and substantial fines.
   • Any suspected disturbances or harm to roosts must be reported to DETSI via their Wildlife Reporting page.
4. Council Resources
   
   • Council provides a range of information, updates, and resources related to flying fox management on our pages below.
5. Resident Activities on Private Land
   
   • Residents may carry out routine activities near roost trees, such as:
     
     • Mowing, weeding, and mulching
     • Minor trimming of vegetation
   • These activities must comply with the Code of Practice – Low Impact Activities Affecting Flying-Fox Roosts.
   • For any substantial vegetation management within roost areas on private land, residents must apply for a permit from DETSI. Council does not issue these permits. Visit the Flying-Fox Roost Management Permits – DETSI page for more information.
6. Health Considerations
   
   • Residents with concerns about human health risks related to flying foxes are encouraged to review the following Queensland Government resources:
     
     • Bats and human health | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government
     • Flying foxes and Hendra virus | Business Queensland
7. Important Safety Reminder
   
   • DO NOT touch flying foxes. Injured, sick, or orphaned flying foxes should only be handled by authorised personnel. The primary health risk is through direct contact, particularly bites.
   • If you find an injured or distressed flying fox, contact:
     
     • ANARRA Wildlife Rescue: (07) 5343 4859
     • 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)