A petition has been launched calling on the State Government to consider all options to relocate the destructive fruit bat colony from Rosalind Park in central Bendigo.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad will sponsor the petition, which comes amid increasing public anger over the bats.
Ms Broad said she had been contacted by many people upset by the colony, and the effects on the park, local residents and tourism.
“Thousands of bats have made their home in the park, which is used by students attending nearby schools, as well as local residents and visitors to our city.
“The constant noise, stench and faecal contamination is quite distressing to residents who have complained that the smell and the effects of the bats are now extending beyond the park itself.
“At Easter time I had complaints from people whose children and grandchildren were foraging for Easter eggs among the bat faeces.
“Another local businessman was the victim of bat droppings as he made his way to work and I understand other locals have had the same experience.
“The bats have also severely defoliated many of the beautiful old trees in the park.”
Ms Broad raised the issue in State Parliament in 2023 after reports the 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.
Despite the concerns raised, the Labor State Government has done nothing to relocate the bat colony from the park.
“When a similar situation occurred at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne in 2003, the Government took action to relocate the colony, even though there were less bats in a much larger area.”
“It’s disappointing that public money has been spent installing sprinkler systems to keep the bats cool in summer, instead of responding to legitimate concerns raised by local residents.”
The petition is open until August 17 and can be signed online at: Relocate-flying-foxes-from-Rosalind-Park-Bendigo
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
