Nudging of Grey-headed Flying Foxes in Botanic Gardens to recommence

Published on 21 March 2023

Colac Otway Shire Council will recommence a ‘nudging’ program of the Grey-headed Flying Foxes in late April to encourage the native animals to roost elsewhere in Colac’s Botanic Gardens to protect heritage trees.

The nudging process, is in accordance with a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) issued Permit to Control Wildlife, with all activity overseen by an expert who will be onsite to ensure the wellbeing of the Flying Foxes.

Council’s General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Heath Chasemore said the Flying Foxes were continuing to have an adverse impact on the health of significant and heritage listed trees the gardens.

“Over the last few weeks, the number of Flying Foxes roosting in trees in the gardens has fluctuated from between 5,000 to approximately 9,000 with noticeable damage being caused to significant trees by the native animals.

“The DEECA approved program for the nudging process will include the use of some noise, lighting effects and wind dancers to deter the Flying Foxes from roosting in the heritage listed trees when they return to the gardens after their night feeding.

“Our intention is to encourage the Flying Foxes from where they’re currently roosting, to more robust pine trees nearby in the gardens which are able to house the colony in a more sustainable way. The trees are located toward the foreshore away from the fountain, playground and BBQ area.

“Activities undertaken are in strict adherence to the DEECA licence conditions to minimise impact on the Flying Foxes and community. This includes nudging activities only occurring between 4pm and 9am and for a maximum of 2.5 hours within any 12-hour period.

“No nudging activities can occur when Flying Foxes are heavily pregnant, dependent young are present or after a heat stress event and can only occur between 1 April and 31 August.

“Grey-headed Flying Foxes play a vital role in ecology and are a protected and endangered species; Council’s aim of this program is to find a balance for cohabitation while protecting our Botanic Gardens as a much loved and well-used recreation space for our community,” Mr Chasemore said.

When daily nudging activities begin, Council will close the Colac Botanic Gardens to vehicle traffic. Further information will be provided closer to date of commencement.

**UPDATE**

Please note, the Colac Botanic Gardens will be closed to vehicle traffic from Tuesday 2 May for up to 14 days (Tuesday 16 May) for Council to recommence a ‘nudging’ program of Grey-headed Flying Foxes to encourage the native animals to roost in more robust trees in the Gardens.

Pedestrian access to the Colac Botanic Gardens will also be closed from 6.30am to 9am each morning for the duration of the 14 day program.

The closure is to ensure community safety and welfare of the Flying Foxes. Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by closures. More information on the program can be found on Council’s website.