Damage mitigation permits
Obtaining a damage mitigation permit
The department works with the community and local governments to help resolve concerns around the presence of flying-fox roosts. While the department’s focus is on consulting with and educating the public, the department may grant a damage mitigation permit for dispersing a flying-fox roost after a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, dispersal of a flying-fox roost is only permissible in certain prescribed circumstances. These include where:
- the applicant can demonstrate that significant loss or damage is occurring, or is likely to occur, because of a flying-fox roost, and reasonable attempts have been made to prevent or minimise the damage
- the applicant can demonstrate that there is a threat, or potential threat, to human health and wellbeing
- the proposed movement of a roost will not adversely affect the flying-foxes’ survival
- there are other roosting sites available to the flying-foxes
- the flying-foxes (and any dependent young) will not be harmed during dispersal activities
- the dispersal method is humane and will not result in unnecessary suffering to the flying-foxes.
To find out about obtaining a damage mitigation permit (DMP) relating to flying-fox roost issues, please refer to the two following documents:
- Guideline—Management of urban flying-fox colonies (guideline is currently under review)
- Information sheet—Damage mitigation permit (PDF, 34K)*
Pre-lodgement service
Anyone considering applying for a DMP to disperse a flying-fox roost should arrange a meeting with the department to discuss their issues before applying. This meeting will outline the information requirements of the application.
To arrange a meeting, please contact Permit and Licence Management or email palm@derm.qld.gov.au.
Shooting of flying-foxes
The government is currently considering the reintroduction of lethal DMPs for flying-foxes for fruit crop protection involving shooting where other mitigation efforts have failed. There will be no large scale culls, but the government is looking at an approach involving a limited number of permits only issued to farmers as an absolute last resort.
Non-lethal control of flying-foxes
The department prefers that any deterrent to flying-foxes be non-lethal.
To assist industry in complying with these regulations, refer to:
- Damage mitigation methods for flying-foxes (PDF, 35K)* for information on non-lethal deterrents.
- Euthanasia of flying-foxes trapped in orchard nets (PDF, 77K)* describing how flying-foxes may be euthanised in certain circumstances. These circumstances are limited and specific. A form (PDF, 77K)* for recording each incident of a flying-fox being euthanised must be completed and submitted to the department annually.
- Record of Observation Form (Word, 182K)‡, which informs government and the fruit growing industry on the effectiveness of non-lethal controls for deterring flying foxes. Observations should be recorded throughout the fruit growing season and forwarded to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for analysis and advice back to industry.
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Last updated 18 May 2012