MOUNT Isa's ongoing battle of the bats could finally be solved with the State Government's recent change in policy allowing communities to manage problem areas of roosting colonies.
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Areas of Mount Isa, particularly neighbourhoods in Sunset, have been plagued by flying fox colonies for years and had previously vowed to take the law into their own hands if the state laws would not relax mitigation permits.
Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady has taken on the plight of the bat-plagued in the past and said he welcomed these changes by the Newman Government.
In 2012, Cr McGrady made no bones about his stance on bats in the community, saying the culling of bats would be considered if recommendations were made by the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
"If culling is what it takes to solve the problem then consideration will have to be given to it," Cr McGrady said in 2012.
Speaking of the changes made to legislation yesterday, Cr McGrady said he welcomed the changes to "reduce the red tape and allow councils and individuals to take the necessary actions".
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the changes made by the Newman Government would give councils the authority to manage problem flying fox roosts in urban areas without having to apply to the Government for a damage mitigation permit.
"We appreciate the significant impact flying foxes have had on some towns across Queensland and these new measures will make it easier for local communities to minimise those problems," Mr Powell said.
In designated urban areas, councils will be given 'as of right' authority to make their own decisions to disperse or otherwise manage flying fox roosts consistent with an agreed Code of Practice which will enable them to have greater authority to decide how to combat the problem.
Mount Isa resident and bat battler Kim Reitano formed a committee last year to help the council create a strategy for bat control. She is a resident of long-suffering Banks Cresent, whose residents were plagued heavily last year.
Mrs Reitano said she was glad to hear of the changes after seeing her neighbourhood come to its 'wit's ends' last year.
"It'll be great if local laws can make the decisions now and legally move them on."
