On 17 February 2025, Council wrote to Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett MP, sharing the impacts and concerns expressed at the Community Forum.

Council was advised on 5 March 2025 that Mr Bennett has contact the Minister for Environment and is seeking to arrange a meeting between himself, GRC and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).

Council met with Acting Manager of Strategic Wildlife Operations in DETSI on 1 April 2025, during this meeting, Council did advocate for the State Government to work with residents, to understand how they are impacted by the current legislative framework and to better support flying-fox management.

Council received a response from the Deputy Director General of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships on 3 April 2025, acknowledging the issues raised and noting an intention to continue discussions with Council.

Council’s Specialist Arborist has inspected the parkland on Menzies Street and Blomfield Street and identified the need for remedial pruning and removal of compromised trees.

This work will improve the visual amenity of the area and ensure the safety of the community using these spaces.

This work will be arranged when flying foxes have vacated the area, anticipated to be mid-year.

Council has exhausted the budget currently allocated to the Living with Flying Fox Grants program this financial year, however, has requested additional budget to continue the program in the 2025/26 Financial Year.

Council is also planning to apply for Round 8 of the Local Government Flying Fox Roost Management Grants administered by the State Government. Applications will be closing on 28 May 2025. If successful, this grant would supplement Council’s internal budget sought for the program.

If budget is approved, Council Officers will review the program guidelines and administration process with consideration to the feedback received from Miriam Vale residents, including an expanded eligible buffer distance and that funds be provided upfront rather than through a reimbursement process.

We will investigate opportunities to address these matters as part of the review process.

Council’s Environment and Conservation team presented a report to Councillors on 11 March 2025 regarding flying fox roosts in the Gladstone Region, including Miriam Vale, and available roost management options.

Councillors supported the current approach regarding management of roosts on Council-controlled land, community education and the Living with Flying Foxes Grants program to assist impacted residents, subject to formal budget approval.

Dispersal of existing roosts is not being pursued due to the risk of merely shifting the issue or potentially worsening impacts to the Miriam Vale community.

Council will continue to update the community with the latest information on flying fox roosts on our website at https://www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/wildlife#flyingfoxes.