2017-03-07 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                        7 MARCH 2017




Figure 3 – Proposed Expansion area of the Subsidised Service Initiative

5.     PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
On 20 February 2017, the Flying Fox Management Officer performed a face-to-face interview
with individual residents to provide feedback. Twenty residences provided feedback on the day
and those not home were provided with forms to return to Council. Public consultation was
undertaken to determine residents’ satisfaction with the management techniques utilised, their
tolerance of the flying foxes and whether their overall amenity was improved.
Many residents were still concerned with the issues related to flying fox fly-out over their
properties. It is hoped that addition of further properties in the subsidised service initiative and
inclusion of a broader range of services will sufficiently mitigate this issue, as the flight path itself
cannot be altered through any current/known management techniques.
Residents on the southern boundary responded that their amenity had not been greatly improved
as flying foxes still inhabited areas close to the rear of their property. As such, they showed great
interest in the SDS being extended into their section.
Residents indicated the impact on their amenity from the flying foxes in the past was 7.72 out of
10, with 10 being extreme impact (Figure 4). In contrast, current impact was noted as 2.84 out of
10. This rapid decline since October 2016 was largely attributed to Council’s increased
management in the area, with appreciation that lower abundance of flying foxes also contributed.



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