Kempsey Shire councillors will discuss their options on how to resolve the problem at this week's council meeting.

A new policy to minimise the impacts of flying-fox camps surrounding populated areas was introduced by the state government early this year.

Under the new policy, local councils have been given the power to create buffer zones by removing vegetation to create a separation from populated areas and to disturb animals at the boundary of the camp to encourage roosting away from human settlement.

However, the removal of vegetation and-or flying fox colonies and the creation of management plans can cost councils hundreds of thousands of dollars with no guarantee that actions will be successful. 

A report of past flying fox dispersal actions between 1990 to 2013 indicates that in 17 separate camp dispersal attempts, the dispersed animals did not leave the area. 

The study also found that in 16 of the 17 cases, the numbers of flying foxes in the local area were not reduced.

At this week's council meeting, councillors will consider three options for management of the colony and the approximate costs to carry out the action.

Option one is to do nothing at no cost. 

Option two is to create a management plan which includes the establishing of a 15m buffer between the bamboo and adjoining residents, with passive management strategies such as population monitoring signage and ongoing community education for the site.  

Option two has been estimated to cost $50,000.

Option three is for the dispersal of the flying fox camp and removal of the tropical bamboo which has been estimated to cost from $265,000 to $345,000.  

This estimate includes a threatened species assessment and impact study, a management plan, and the removal of the bamboo.

“It is noted that the above preliminary cost estimate does not include the cost to disperse the flying foxes,” the council meeting agenda states.

“There is also a high likelihood that dispersal of the camp and removal of the vegetation, while the camp is being occupied, will result in other vegetation in the immediate vicinity being utilised by the flying foxes, thereby transferring the problem to other residents.”

The recommendation to councillors is: 

1. That formal application be made to the Office of Environment and Heritage to undertake Level 2 actions involving establishment of a 15m-wide buffer between adjoining residents and the stand of tropical bamboo.

2. That a further report be submitted to council relating to detailed requirements for obtaining approval, including funding options.

3. That the 2014-15 Operating Plan be amended by moving the commencement date for the preparation of consultancy briefs for the local environmental studies required to implement the Rural Residential Land Release Strategy from May 2015 to August 2015 with a revised completion date of December 2015.