FLYING FOXES POSE SAFETY RISK AT BURDEKIN FALLS DAM
A LARGE resident colony of flying foxes continues to remain at the Burdekin Falls Dam recreation and camping grounds
A spokesperson for Sunwater said a small number of black flying-foxes have seasonally roosted at Burdekin Falls Dam for the past three years, generally between February and June.
“For the past year, the flying-foxes have remained on site continuously for the first time. In late April/early May 2021 a large influx of little red flying-foxes joined the roost,” the spokesperson said.
“Following a recent assessment of the colony, it is estimated there are 250,000 little red and 20,000 black flying-foxes.
“This influx has caused amenity impacts (noise and smell), damage to vegetation, temporary closure of areas to visitors, and created health concerns.
“While flying foxes play an important role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants, they can also pose potential safety risks from bites and scratches.
“Sunwater is working with leading environmental management consultancy, Ecosure, to provide solutions to carefully manage the dispersal of the colony.
“We will work with the Department of Environment and Science to ensure a best practice approach is taken,” they said.
In the interest of visitor safety, Sunwater has cordoned off amenities and areas where the colony is present.