Flying Fox Influx Overwhelms Mount Isa Suburb

A dark cloud of flying foxes has descended upon the Mount Isa suburb of Sunset, leaving residents frustrated and seeking action. The influx of thousands of flying foxes has resulted in droppings, dead animals, leaves, and fallen branches covering homes and gardens.

For Dr. Aaron Gray, a 24-year-old doctor who moved to Mount Isa this year, the spectacle has lost its initial sparkle. He bought his first home in Sunset in June, attracted by the established garden, but within a week, an "explosion" of flying foxes arrived. His garden is now covered in droppings, dead flying foxes, leaves, and fallen branches. At one point, he was spending three to four hours a day cleaning.

"I've just given up and just let it go," Dr Gray said.

Long-time property owner Tony Tolke has watched the colony grow from a few doors away.

"It's just like a cloud coming over," Mr Tolke said. "It's never been as bad as this."

Branches have blocked Mr. Tolke's driveway, and droppings cover cars, the roof, and a boat. Residents say falling branches have damaged properties and blocked access around some Sunset homes.

The residents want authorities to encourage the flying foxes away from homes and provide more help with the aftermath. Dr. Gray said the problem had left him increasingly confined to his home. He said the council environmental officers had visited his property but told him their "hands are tied", legally.

"A drive-by is not really the same as going into the property and speaking with the actual residents affected by it," Dr Gray said.

The Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation confirmed a little red flying fox camp had formed in trees across private properties. A department spokesperson said wildlife rangers had inspected the site and met with Mount Isa City Council to provide advice on management options.

Under Queensland conservation laws, landholders can use deterrents including noise, lights, and water sprays to discourage flying foxes from returning, provided the animals are not harmed.

Mount Isa City Council chief executive Tim Rose said new state advice had established the flying foxes were not breeding at the site.

"We can start having a look at moving the bats on because they're not breeding there, which is a positive outcome," Mr Rose said.

The council received a $38,500 state government grant last year to develop a flying fox management plan. Mr. Rose said the draft plan, developed following community consultation, was now with the department for feedback.

"Probably not, to be perfectly frank and honest," he said. "We're probably not responsible for bats being there."

Residents have questioned whether the council's vegetation clearing along Breakaway Creek contributed to the flying foxes moving into the area. For Dr. Gray, the issue is increasingly about the life he came to Mount Isa to build.

"I understand the benefit to the environment, but should it really come at the cost of our livelihood and our homes?" he said.