The State Government plans to do nothing about the destructive bat colony in Bendigo’s Rosalind
Park, The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
The Minister advised that approximately 38,000 grey-headed flying foxes were in Rosalind Park this
year, but the State Government is ignoring calls to relocate them.
“The Labor State Government cares more about bats than people,” Ms Broad said.
“The State Government has wasted millions of dollars installing sprinkler systems to keep bats cool in
summer.
“They are building spa treatments for bats, when people are living in their cars and on the streets
because they don’t have a home.”
The bat colony is located in the once beautiful Rosalind Park, an historic park in the centre of
Bendigo’s business district.
Thousands of bats have made their home in the park, which is used by over 1700 students attending
Bendigo Senior Secondary School.
“I cannot believe that this Government permits the bat colony to be located next door to the school,
and a children’s playground,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad raised concerns in Parliament earlier this year when Air Ambulance was unable to land
safely at the hospital due to interference from the bats, and patients were being diverted adding
precious time in life threatening situations.
Ms Broad said a similar situation had arisen at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. In that case
there were less bats in a much larger area, and the Government took action to relocate the colony.
“Why did the Government take action when it happened in Melbourne, but they’re ignoring the issue
when it’s happening in a regional area.”
“With seasonal changes and numbers reducing, now is the time to move the bats on”.
“This Government should listen to concerns raised by the local community and take action to relocate
the bats.”
Photo caption: Gaelle Broad MP says the Government must take action on the bats in Bendigo’s Rosalind Park.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
