A FLYING FOX engagement session has given a glimmer of hope for Armidale residents struck by the enormous camp.

Thousands of bats back onto properties on South Hill, with some residents spending an hour each day to hose off their belongings.

Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said the development of the plan means council can legally start to manage the camp at Black Gully.

“The number of flying-foxes located in the current camp has reduced significantly,” Cr Murray said.

“It is expected that the remaining flying-foxes will leave and once the plan is in place we will be in a better position to manage and control the extent of the roost should they return to the site.”

Ecosure consultants met with residents and council to minimise the impact of the colony last Wednesday.

The grey headed flying fox, also known as Pteropus poliocephalus, is a vulnerable species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Managing the colony is a balancing act between residents’ expectations and government guidelines.

Solutions for the camp include changing the vegetation to make the site less attractive to the flying foxes, creating buffers with tree removal, using sprinklers and planting aromatic plants to dissuade them.

Council is also considering revegetation to create an alternative habitat away from residential areas and routine maintenance of the site.

Cr Murray said he knows the last four or five months have been difficult for residents living with the camp.

“I would like to thank the vast majority of residents in the area for their patience in living alongside the camp and especially to those residents who have, in some cases had to share their backyards with thousands of flying-foxes,” he said.

For more information or to provide feedback visit yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au.