QLD:Call for Hendra tests on Gold Coast bats

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2011
QLD:Call for Hendra tests on Gold Coast bats

Gold Coast Mayor RON CLARKE is asking authorities to test the city's 28 flying fox
colonies for the potentially deadly Hendra virus.

Southport residents have taken things into their own hands and are using air horns
to drive away the thousands of bats they claim are affecting property values.

They've been threatened with fines of up to 100 thousand dollars and a year in jail,
and one woman's home was raided by wildlife officers last week.

It's not yet known if ROBYN BURGESS will be prosecuted, but she says the noise and
stench from the bats is so bad, she's had to remodel part of her home.

Mr CLARKE says council wants to work with the Department of Environment and Resource
Management on strategies to manage the issue and to ensure residents are safe.

AAP RTV bart/gd/jmt

KEYWORD: BATS (GOLD COAST)

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