Flying fox cull on cards
SOUTHERN Downs farmers can now apply for damage mitigation permits to legally cull flying foxes.
The State Government has announced plans to introduce the permits with faster processing times and longer permit durations.
It's a call Southern Downs Regional Councillor Vic Pennisi welcomes.
He said damage mitigation permits were the first step in controlling the damage caused by flying foxes.
"I think until such time as we find out more information about the behaviours of the animal that's the only option we have at this stage," Cr Pennisi said.
"Food producers are the most important people in the world, however, flying foxes are an important animal in the landscape and we need to find a balance.
"I think damage mitigation permits will give farmers some sort of security in protecting their crops but we need to continue to understand how the animals work so that into the future we don't need to have damage mitigation permits."
Cr Pennisi said the permits would be strict and would only be utilised to protect crops.
He said there would be conditions that farmers would have to adhere when culling the animals.
