Bendigo’s bat problem is getting out of hand and must be better managed, Nationals MP
Gaelle Broad has told State Parliament.
Ms Broad asked the Minister for Environment to explain what the Government is doing to
manage this issue.
“Rosalind Park is the jewel in the crown of Bendigo’s CBD and it is being badly damaged by
bats.” Ms Broad said.
“The destructive colony of grey-headed flying foxes has been an issue for years and it’s
getting worse. The bats fly over the park, excrete everywhere, are extremely noisy and the
park smells.
“Important historic trees have been damaged.”
She said local media reported this week that the issue was so bad, residents were now
avoiding the park.
“The recent ANZAC Day dawn service was impacted, and so too are 1800 students who
attend Bendigo Senior Secondary College,” Ms Broad said.
“Local businesses and real estate values have suffered.
“It’s an expense for Council to monitor the situation and seek advice from consultants, and Council workers have increased their cleaning regime as the bat numbers rise.”
Ms Broad said she was aware the bats are a protected species, but their intrusive population
in the middle of a major regional city needs to be managed.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.a
