Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon was angered by the Environment Minister’s decision to assist Eurobodalla with its flying fox problem but not the Hunter.
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Minister Greg Hunt announced a five-point plan on Monday, to relieve Batemans Bay residents of bats.
The plan included assistance to identify methods to disperse flying foxes, exemption from environment law so dispersal can commence immediately and $50,000 for scientists to ensure the problem doesn’t return.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the Eurobodalla Council was investing $100,000 in the plan, but the inability of local councils to invest large amounts of money should not be a barrier to government assistance.
“In some areas including Cessnock, there is dispute about whether the flying fox roosting areas are the responsibility of the council or the NSW government because they are on Crown land,” he said.
“Councils are reluctant to invest large amounts of money in dispersal plans when there is no guarantee of NSW and Commonwealth Government approval.
“They have been bitten in the past.”
Mr Fitzgibbon said the minister must extend the same consideration to the Hunter as he has to Eurobodalla.
“Then councils can move forward with an investment in dispersal plans with full confidence they will be given the favourable consideration afforded Eurobodalla,” he said.
“Assistance to councils should not be based on the colour of their political representation.”
Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, said she was delighted at how quickly Minister Hunt had responded to her request for assistance with the Eurobodalla flying foxes.
“I took Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Lindsay Brown to Canberra to meet with Minister Hunt just four weeks ago to discuss this matter,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
Mr Fitzgibbon asked the Senate to initiate an inquiry into the flying fox problems in the Hunter back in March.
What do you think of the Environment Minister’s decision?
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
