Mount Isa Council to use sprinklers to deter bats at cemetery

The cemetery is home to a seasonal nomadic little Red Flying-fox roost, particularly in spring and summer following rainfall, and during the blossoming of native trees.

High pressured sprinklers will be mounted in the tree tops as a non-lethal way to discourage the bats from returning each season.

Mayor Joyce McCulloch said council had budgeted to install canopy sprinklers in targeted trees with the effectiveness of the measures reviewed over time.

“Council manages the flying fox populations at the cemetery in accordance with the requirements of the Queensland Nature Conservation Act and prescribed bat handling procedures,” Cr McCulloch said.

“That means we cannot physically harm the bats or cut down the trees they roost in, however, we can spray water as a deterrent.

“We are also trimming and manicuring trees along the Cemetery walkway, again to dissuade bats from roosting in subsequent seasons.”

The council’s environmental health coordinator Priviledge Mapiye said the size of a roost fluctuated in response to local food availability and they often developed a strong affinity with certain roosts, returning year after year to the same spot.

Council said it recognised the seasonal dilemma, particularly in spring and summer was a concern to residents however the bats represent a relatively low health risk to humans.

Signage at the Cemetery will advise visitors when the bats are roosting and direct them to alternate entrances away from the roosting trees.

Last year Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter said councils needed more rights to ensure public health and safety around flying foxes.

“There are significant safety concerns that come with flying foxes in an urban area, such as the prevalence of ticks and also the increased risk of deadly viruses around flying fox populations,” Mr Katter said. “It is simply unsafe and unworkable for Council workers and visitors to the cemetery.”