The lessons learned from other ‘bat towns’

OPINION: Some issues in life can’t be fixed – all we can do is manage the problem for a slightly more favourable outcome.

Bats, or flying foxes as they are also known, are in this category – at least in semi-urban areas.

They are loveable to some but a nuisance to others.

The bats have taken up residence in Gunnedah and we best get used to it because they may be here for a lot longer yet.

It reminded me how other towns and regional areas have dealt with the flying foxes.

I recall how bats were causing issues in the small central Queensland town of Duaringa about 10 years ago.

Duaringa is one of those iconic Australian small towns hugging the highway west of Rockhampton.

It’s not exactly a thriving metropolis – blink and you could miss it. But although the town’s local human inhabitants numbered only a few, it did have a loyal following among grey nomads and caravaners.

Safe to say, when these caravans pulled in looking for a relaxing evening taking in the sensational Queensland sunset, the last thing they wanted to hear were thousands of bats flapping furiously overhead.

So to appease the human visitors, the animal visitors had to be moved on. This was achieved by cutting down most of the trees where they lived.

Afterwards, Duaringa returned to its usual trade of highway travelling tourists, albeit treeless, and the bats took their eviction notice with good humour and promptly moved on.

From memory, many of the bats simply flew to the next town over (still in the same council shire) in Dingo – which by all reports is grappling with the same issues caused by the bats.

Queensland communities have tried everything to send the bats on their way – from pyrotechnicsto gas cannons, sirens, ants and more! But to no avail.

Closer to home, Singleton has faced its share of bat problems too and also went the way of the tree-lopping method for the animal removal.

Granted, their bat camps were located in the middle of town, right next to popular licensed establishments and local bistros.

Care for a side of bat (poo) with your schnity and schooner?! Didn’t think so.

Whether we like it or not, the bats are here to stay – maybe not always Gunnedah – but here in Australia at least as they’re considered a protected species due to their role in pollination, seed dispersal and insect control.

Perhaps we should give these guys and girls a break, and not get into a flap about their ongoing presence in town. Easier said than done, especially if it’s your home that’s in their daily, evening flight path.

– Sam Woods