What is Gympie Council doing to address the flying fox problem?

Gympie Council is considering a property buyback scheme to help residents affected by the growing colony of protected flying foxes in the area.

How are the flying foxes impacting Gympie residents?

Residents like Kyla Reen have complained about the noise, smell, and black dust from the bat droppings, which has forced them to keep windows shut and avoid hanging laundry outside.

Why is Gympie Council limited in its ability to manage the flying foxes?

The flying foxes are protected under state and federal law, which limits the council's options for managing the growing colony.

Home / Environment / Gympie Council Mulls Buyback Scheme to Tackle Surging Urban Bat Population

Gympie Council Mulls Buyback Scheme to Tackle Surging Urban Bat Population

16 Nov

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Summary

Gympie Council considering property buyback for residents affected by growing flying fox colony
Bats protected by state and federal law, limiting council's management options
Residents complain of noise, smell, and dust from bat droppings

Gympie Council Mulls Buyback Scheme to Tackle Surging Urban Bat Population

As of November 16th, 2025, the Gympie Regional Council in Queensland is considering a property buyback scheme to address the growing problem of "loud and smelly" flying foxes encroaching on a residential area. The council has endorsed a long-term plan to better manage the protected bat colony, which is located in a nationally significant roost.

The plan recommends that the council advocate to the state and federal governments for the buyback scheme and request funding to cover expenses associated with vegetation management and dispersal efforts. According to Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig, the buyback would involve 20 or more affected properties, and is reliant on government support.