The new strategy which used high pressured sprinklers mounted in treetops was instituted to deter seasonal bats from roosting at the Sunset Lawn cemetery 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.

“A recent trial of sprinklers used to deter a colony of bats at the cemetery was found to be ineffective; however we have zero population at the site currently, which is unlike other years at this time.”

The trial was conducted over several consecutive days and at different times of the day and night.

“It was found to be an ineffective deterrent,” Cr McCulloch said.

“We hope that they have permanently relocated, but if they return we will explore alternate methods of dispersion, in accordance with the requirements of the Queensland Nature Conservation Act and prescribed bat handling procedures.”

In the past, the cemetery has been home to a seasonal nomadic Red Flying-fox roost.