Orange City Council to canvass community views on flying fox camps

Orange City Council is calling on the community to have its say as part of a plan it is developing to guide its future management of flying foxes in the city.

Mayor Reg Kidd said it was clear flying foxes would continue to visit Orange on a regular basis and it was important for the council to develop a plan to manage the visitors.

"Flying-foxes are a threatened species, and we must respect that status," Cr Kidd said.

"The practicalities of managing flying foxes and their camps are governed by state and federal government legislation and any management plans council considers must be within the boundaries imposed by those authorities."

However, he acknowledged that flying foxes could also be a nuisance in some neighbourhoods and many people have strong opinions on how they should be managed in public parks and private backyards.

"There are also potential economic impacts of these native animals to consider in horticultural enterprises as well as possible health and environmental concerns," Cr Kidd said.

"The topic of flying foxes can be an emotional one and it's crucial there's more understanding from people from all sides of the debate, we're hoping participation in this survey will deliver better understanding on all aspects of the issue."

Flying foxes often migrate to Orange in the warmer months, and set up camps in Cook Park, Ploughmans Lane and around the outskirts of town.

The council has received $10,000 in funding from the NSW Government for development of the plan and an independent environment consultant, Ecosure, has been appointed to help develop the draft plan.

Environment and Sustainability Policy Committee chairman Stephen Nugent said the survey is on the council's YourSay Orange website.

"We'd like to hear from all sections of the community, people who have been directly affected by the presence of flying foxes in their yards, near their homes and in public parks," Cr Nugent said.

"We'd equally like to hear from people who have not been impacted directly by these by these native animals but would like to share their feedback on how council can manage them while respecting their threatened species status."

WHAT DO YOU THINK?