Bat plague at impasse

A GOLD Coaster whose family is plagued by a huge bat colony admits it’s been difficult not to take matters into his own hands to remove them.

Peter Harlow, his wife and two kids have had their quality of life destroyed by the stench and incessant screeching of thousands of bats roosting near their Coombabah home.

Mr Harlow is at his wits end after letters to council dating back to last year trying to get action to remove it.

In yesterday’s Bulletin, Gold Coast city councillor Cameron Caldwell said council had done what it could “lawfully” but was “constrained” by State Government laws.

In turn, State Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said councils could manage flying fox roosts. But the Department of Environment and Science edge of their property and impacting their lives I’m sure it would be a different outcome.”

Coast Opposition MP David Crisafulli who has taken up the cudgels for the Harlows said the problem getting the bats removed was “nothing to do with the legislation” but a “culture and attitude” of State Government: “They lay the problem on council. It’s not council’s fault. The department runs a pest protection racket.”

Ms Enoch accused Mr Crisafulli and council of being “misleading”.

“Council can manage this roost without a permit. It is on council land and they can use nonlethal means, such as air guns or smoke, to disperse these flying-foxes, and prune.

“If the Gold Coast council chooses not to exercise their as-of-right authority in flyingfox management, they should be upfront with their community about the reasons.”