Kempsey Shire Council is taking steps to reduce the impact of flying-fox colonies on East Kempsey residents.
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From Monday July 13, council will be undertaking bush regeneration work to create a buffer zone between Rudder Park and the nearby flying-fox camp in accordance with the Rudder Park Flying-fox Camp Management Plan.
The plan was adopted by council in 2017. The plan was developed in conjunction with specialist ecological consultant group, Ecosure, after consultation with residents. It includes both long-term and short-term actions for the site.
Council's Manager Strategic and Asset Planning, Erin Fuller, said that the actions were designed to assist residents without hurting the flying-foxes.
"The buffer will be created by removing exotic vegetation, such as bamboo and lantana, and planting low-growing natives that the flying-foxes are unlikely to roost in," Ms Fuller said.
"The works are being conducted in consultation with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and will be supervised by a Flying-fox ecologist.
"It is important to point out that these works are not intended to disperse the flying-foxes, as they are a threatened species, but to mitigate the negative impacts the species has on nearby residents."
The works will be carried out from Monday to Friday between 8am-5pm for approximately three weeks, weather permitting.
More information on the plan can be found on council's website at https://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/rudder-park-flying-fox-camp-management-plan.html
Residents who have any queries or who witness an injured or oddly behaving flying-fox are asked to phone council's Customer Service Centre on 6566 3200.
