Councils to deal with problem bats



Wednesday December 4th 2013

Councils to deal with problem bats

Local councils have the power to deal with problem flying-fox roosts, thanks to new framework introduced by the State Government this week. 

Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the new framework gave local councils an ‘as-of-right’ authority to manage roosts in designated urban areas, subject to a code of practice, without the need for a permit.

According to Mr Powell, the framework was developed in response to Councils' feedback, "that they need to be able to act quickly without getting tied up in the unnecessary paperwork that existed under Labor."

“These changes give council officers the power to respond rapidly and appropriately to local concerns before situations get out of hand.”

“A code of practice is in place to make sure that dispersals are done in a way which best manages any associated risks and animal welfare issues, in accordance with Commonwealth, State and local government laws.

A permit will still be required for non-council applicants or for roosts outside the designated urban areas; though the process is more streamlined.

“Unlike the previous Labor Government, we will always put the health and wellbeing of people above flying foxes.”

“Councils have said they want to be able to use all necessary measures to deal with problem flying foxes and we have listened.

“We are cutting green tape and simplifying the process of dispersing flying foxes from within urban areas.

“In line with our election commitment, the changes we are introducing today will give councils greater ability than ever before to move flying foxes on, using non-lethal means.

“Local councils have requested the ability to apply for lethal damage mitigation permits when all other options are exhausted and we will be looking at this next year in consultation with the Federal government.”

 

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