Councils have authority to manage flying foxes, says Minister
Local councils are best placed to be able to respond to and manage flying foxes in their local areas, and this is reflected in Queensland legislation (Letter: "Bats cause strife at local cemetery" North West Star, October 19).
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We have seen great examples of work being carried out by local governments across Queensland in managing flying foxes, including Gladstone Regional Council who used a combination of smoke, light and noise to successfully disperse flying-fox roosts in Miriam Vale.
The council did not require any permits to carry out those activities.
Local councils can manage roosts without needing a permit, including using air guns, smoke, noise and tree-lopping, or removing trees where applicable.
The only instance where councils need to apply for permits is when their proposed activities do not comply with the 'Code of Practice - Ecologically sustainable management of flying-fox roosts'.
This framework was brought in by the former LNP Government.
Councils also do not need to have management plans approved to undertake flying-fox roost management.
In relation to flying-foxes around Mount Isa, I understand the Department of Environment and Science has been in contact with the council to ensure they understand the options available to them in managing or dispersing the roost in the cemetery.
Our Government supports a balanced approach to managing our native wildlife that conserves and protects vulnerable species and their habitat, while managing the safety and expectations of a growing community.
Leeanne Enoch
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef
Minister for Science, Minister for the Arts
The need for openness in government
Like many Australians, I have been disappointed at the bias in our national media over a period of many years.
However, the current campaign by the Australian media to fight governments for preventing the public from gaining access to information coupled with the threat of jailing journalist for trying to expose wrongdoings, fills me with a sense of pride that the Australian media are united in leading the world in fighting for these principles.
To be clear, this issue is not just about Federal and State Governments, its also about Local Governments in places like Mount Isa.
I would like to suggest that Madam Mayor and her Councillors take note of the current national debate as this is not her money or her councillors money, this is ratepayers money and we are entitled to know how it is being spent as well as the reasons for decisions taken by the council.
I hope our local media follows this national trend and demand that this Mayor and her Councillors get the message loud and clear that the days are over when governments, be they federal, state or local can hide facts from the people.
Madam Mayor Joyce McCulloch should be reminded that transparency is a critical attribute for the success of the current office that is failing us.
This present campaign by our media should be applauded by every lover of democracy but lets all vow that the days are now over when federal, state or local governments can refuse to give information to the general public and that means the MOUNT ISA CITY COUNCIL.
These actions by our united media certainly makes it a great day for all lovers of democracy and open government.
Long may it continue.
James Bambrick,
Healy