Flying fox influx overruns Mount Isa suburb 'like a cloud coming over'
Residents of the Mount Isa suburb of Sunset say a huge influx of flying foxes is damaging trees, coating homes and cars in droppings, and leaving them desperate for action.
Residents of Mount Isa's Sunset suburb are struggling with a large influx of flying foxes that are causing damage to trees and properties. The animals' droppings and dead bodies are leaving outdoor areas unusable, and residents are demanding more help with the clean-up and damage. The state government expects the flying foxes to leave once the trees finish flowering, but residents want authorities to actively encourage the animals to move away and provide more assistance.
Mount Isa City Council has asked what action it is taking to address the issue. A wildlife rangers' visit to a resident's property was criticized as a drive-by, not a proper meeting with affected residents. Under Queensland conservation laws, landowners can use deterrents to discourage flying foxes from returning, but the council is unlikely to financially assist residents with the consequences.
The council received a $38,500 state government grant to develop a flying fox management plan but has received mixed feedback from residents.
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