No longer on display. Expired on
15 January 2026, 10:45 AM
Update
The flying-foxes have left Colyer Park and the park has been reopened.
Council is aware that a large number of flying-foxes have migrated into Colyer Park, Boyne Island, over the weekend of 14 December 2025. Following an assessment, Conservation Officers counted approximately 30,000 little red flying-foxes (Pteropus scapulatus) in the park. For your safety and the safety of the flying-foxes please do not use this park and follow all signage.
Council understands this situation may be concerning for the community and appreciates everyone’s patience with this situation.
Council will not be attempting to disperse the new flying-fox congregation at Colyer Park. Relocation of flying-foxes is rarely successful; attempts require prolonged disturbance and/or extensive tree removal and often result in flying-foxes moving to a less desirable location or splitting into several smaller roosts, increasing community impacts.
Little red flying-foxes feed almost exclusively on the nectar of native blossoms and move around in large numbers following mass flowering events. While the movements of any wild animal cannot be predicted with certainty, congregations of little red flying-foxes typically move on of their own accord after an average of six to eight weeks.
Colyer Park will remain closed while the flying-foxes are present, creating unsafe and unsightly conditions. The closure will also assist in minimising disturbance and noise produced by the flying-foxes. Once the flying-foxes leave, Council will tidy the area and restore safe access for the community. Roosts located within the mangroves in the Boyne River occur entirely on state-controlled land and Council will not be involved in managing flying-foxes in this location.
Flying-foxes are protected native species, and management of established flying-fox roosts must be authorised under state legislation (Nature Conservation Act 1992). The Queensland State Government, Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), are the authority for this Act.
There is a period of time where residents are permitted to attempt to deter or prevent flying-foxes from roosting on their own property. Residents should be aware that disturbing a roost can increase noise levels and cause animals to expand into other residential areas. It’s also important to consider the potential impacts on neighbours, as the requirements under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 regarding nuisance still apply.
Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program
Council is preparing to launch the Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program from mid-February 2026. The purpose of the program is to mitigate the impacts of flying-fox roosts on our community and better support residents and businesses to co-exist with flying-foxes. Assistance is designed to help people implement mitigation solutions that directly address the specific impacts residents or businesses are experiencing. Further information will be shared about the Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program and how you can apply in February 2026.
The Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program is a joint initiative of Gladstone Regional Council and the Queensland Government.