Bat dispersal back on cards

People have been warned to stay away from flying foxes.

HOPE is on the horizon for bat-haters in Maclean.

An application for a licence to disperse the flying foxes next to Maclean High School will be made this week by the Department of Education and Training.

The department has already lodged an application with the State and Commonwealth authorities to remove trees and tree limbs close to the school which can harbour flying foxes, a spokesman said.

“The department continues to work with urgency in its consultation with the State and Commonwealth environment agencies and with Clarence Valley Council, on the basis that any resolution will require the agreement of all three levels of government,” the statement said.

“While previous advice has indicated that a new application to disperse would involve a costly environmental study and stood little chance of success, after further intensive liaison with the State and Federal authorities, the department is now in a position to believe that an application, if lodged, may have a greater chance of resolving the issue,” the statement said.