Chime in on plans for Flying Fox CBD park

COMMUNITY members have been invited to have their say on the development of a management plan for Rosalind Park by completing a survey by early December.

City of Greater Bendigo presentation and assets director Brian Westley said there are significant challenges in managing the park, which is the site of a number of important heritage trees and other attractions such as the poppet head tower, the conservatory, the cascades and the fernery.

It’s also housed a controversial Flying Fox colony since 2010.

To many residents’ apparent displeasure, Mr Westley said the City doesn’t have the authority to remove or relocate the often-maligned bats as they are a protected species.

“It is also illegal to scare, harm or disturb them without permission or a permit from the relevant responsible authorities,” he said.

Mr Westley said the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the City have worked together since 2010 to monitor the size of the bat population and the impact they have on the park.

“The City is obligated to ensure we are not doing anything that impacts the animals and this means we must find a balance (via the management plan ) between people and the native animals,” he said.

“(So) the plan we want to develop is (not only) about meeting the day-to-day management requirements of the park (but also) ensuring we are fulfilling our obligations under the Wildlife Act.”

Concerned Bendigo residents can complete the survey on the City’s Let’s Talk community engagement website up until Monday 2 December at letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/rosalind-park-management-plan.