Flying-foxes management plan
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| What is the Flying-fox management plan? The Flying-fox management plan is a strategy to secure Melbourne’s flying-fox colony at Yarra Bend Park. The plan focuses on creating a long-term, sustainable roost site at the location where the animals have been roosting since September 2003. Does the management plan consider moving the Flying-foxes somewhere else? No. The management plan does not consider alternative roost sites for the Flying-foxes. A decision has been made to leave the flying-foxes at Yarra Bend Park and now the aim is to sustain them at this site. Yarra Bend Park was one of the top four sites identified by scientists as an appropriate alternative roosting place to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Why is a management plan necessary? It is critical that the Flying-fox colony be secured at Yarra Bend Park and the site managed sustainably to avoid the risk of relocation to other areas, including nearby residential areas or the Royal Botanic Gardens. The management plan will help to make the Flying-fox management area in Yarra Bend Park a sustainable roost site for the animals so that they stay where they are. |  |
What are the objectives of the flying-fox management plan?
1. Successfully develop a sustainable Flying-fox roost site in Yarra Bend Park
2. Enhance vegetation and other environmental values near roost site
3. Minimise the impact of Flying-foxes on residents and park users
4. Provide improved visitor facilities at and near the roost site
5. Increase community understanding and support for flying-fox conservation
What are some of the actions that the management plan proposes?
As part of the five-year management plan, Yarra Bend Park will undergo extensive revegetation, weed control, installation of wetlands, a viewing platform and artificial roosts plus improvements and additions to the park’s path network and visitor facilities.
How much will it cost to implement the flying-fox management plan?
The State Government has committed $1.7 million to implementing the five-year flying-fox management plan at Yarra Bend Park.
When will works commence?
Works commenced in November 2005.
When will works finish?
The five-year management plan will expire in 2009. A broader management strategy will be implemented after this. Works, including revegetation and weed control, will continue for the life of the plan.
Who developed the management plan?
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) developed the flying-fox management plan for Yarra Bend Park in consultation with a range of stakeholders, including local residents, government agencies and technical experts.
When will the Management Plan be reviewed?
The Flying-fox Campsite Management Plan will be reviewed during 2009-2010.
Who is on the Flying-fox reference group?
A Flying-fox reference group has been established to consider the broad management of Flying-foxes across greater Melbourne. Represented on the Flying-fox reference group are DSE, Royal Botanic Gardens, Parks Victoria, Yarra Bend Park Trust, Darebin, Boroondara, Yarra and Geelong City Councils, scientific experts, Victorian Field Naturalists and the RSPCA.
Who will oversee implementation of the management plan?
DSE will oversee the implementation of the management plan. DSE in partnership with Parks Victoria will ensure the onground delivery.
How do I get a copy of the management plan?
Yarra Bend Park - Flying-fox Campsite Management Plan (PDF - 2.7 Mb)Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.
Copies of the management plan are also available from the DSE Customer Service Centre by phoning 136 186.