Queensland communities will continue to receive critical support to reduce the nuisance impacts of flying-fox roosts, while supporting the conservation of these protected species.
Round 8 of the highly successful Flying-Fox Roost Management – Local Government Grant Program opens on 30 April.
Originally a four-year $2 million initiative scheduled to end in 2024, the program has been extended for a further three years, with an additional $1.5 million funding boost.
Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Acting Deputy Director-General Andrew Buckley said the program ensured councils could continue to take meaningful action to reduce the impacts flying-fox roosts on communities, while enabling these protected species to continue to play their important ecological role.
"Flying-foxes play a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating native plants and dispersing seeds over vast distances, helping forests regenerate and maintain biodiversity and supporting the health of entire habitats, including those that many other species rely on," Mr Buckley said.
"But we know that for communities living near flying-fox roosts, they can have profound impacts due to the noise, odour and mess on the ground they generate
"This grant program recognises this and helps local governments manage flying-fox roosts with a focus on long-term planning, roost modification, habitat rehabilitation, and innovative community engagement.
"Since its launch, 29 councils have delivered 76 successful projects, ranging from tree trimming and roost maintenance to covered walkways, education programs and community grants.
"Flying-foxes are a vital part of Queensland's ecosystems, and this program empowers councils to balance biodiversity conservation with community wellbeing," Mr Buckley said.
Stream 1: Immediate/High-Priority Actions – for urgent on-ground works near roosts.
Stream 2: Development of Roost Management Plans – to support long-term planning, and
Stream 3: Implementation of Roost Management Plans – to bring management strategies to life.
