Why is the Gympie Regional Council calling for a home buy-back?

The council wants a buy-back due to a massive flying fox colony making homes unlivable and devaluing properties to almost zero.

What are the problems caused by the flying foxes in Gympie?

The bats cause extreme noise, filth, property damage, and pose health risks due to potential disease transmission.

Are flying foxes protected in Queensland?

Yes, flying foxes are protected under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act, with some species listed as vulnerable.

Home / Environment / Bat Plague: Council Demands Government Buy Back Homes

Bat Plague: Council Demands Government Buy Back Homes

23 Nov

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Summary

Gympie council urges government buy-back due to bat infestation.
Massive flying fox colony makes homes unlivable and devalues properties.
Protected bats pose health risks with droppings and noise.

Bat Plague: Council Demands Government Buy Back Homes

In Gympie, Queensland, the local council is advocating for a government-initiated buy-back of homes severely impacted by a large flying fox colony. This infestation has rendered many properties essentially worthless and created an unlivable environment for residents due to incessant noise and corrosive droppings.

The council highlights that the flying fox population, which reached an estimated 320,000 in 2021, poses significant health risks, including the potential spread of fatal viruses like Lyssa and Hendra. Homeowners report damage and a severe decline in their property's value, leading to a desperate call for government intervention.

While flying foxes are a protected species and vital to the ecosystem, the Gympie Regional Council argues that residents' well-being must be prioritized. They urge for legislative changes and financial assistance, including a buy-back scheme, to alleviate the distress faced by property owners.

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