The debate about the flying fox colony at the Blair Athol Estate was addressed late yesterday afternoon in Sydney.
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Inverell mayor Paul Harmon, MP for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and NSW Minister for the Environment Robyn Parker convened with wildlife experts for a discussion on strategies to disperse the colony, which has lived on the property for many months.
The issue has provoked some controversy with a recent Inverell Shire Council vote to support an application for the cull of the flying foxes lodged by Blair Athol owner Kim Kelleher.
Ms Kelleher has experienced the natural devastation to her property as well as a large loss of income to her business due to the colony’s long period of residence. Prior to the meeting, Mr Marshall said he had thoroughly briefed Ms Parker on the issue, and planned to approach the conversation with a mind to the preservation of the animals, the legal ramifications of the issue and the wellbeing of the Inverell community.
Prior to the meeting, Mr Marshall told The Inverell Times he had thoroughly briefed Ms Parker on the issue, and planned to approach the conversation with a mind to the preservation of the animals, the legal ramifications of the issue and the wellbeing of the Inverell community.
He pointed to successful strategies implemented by other communities in other states.
“It’s about how can we come to a resolution where we can peacefully move these animals on, so that we’re not destroying them or doing anything illegal,” Mr Marshall said.
“To me I think that is an entirely reasonable position and an entirely responsible position to take. That’s the position I’m taking forward with the mayor, Paul Harmon.”
Mr Marshall said with background briefings in place, the discussion could centre on the options, and what can be done by himself, the Inverell Council and the community. Whatever the resolution, he said it was doubtful it would happen in the near future.
“It’s not a simple issue, I’d love to have a quick fix, but the likelihood is that it’s going to take a little bit of time.”