WITH such a large colony of flying foxes right on our doorstep, Warwick, with its equestrian backbone has been “lucky” to escape a hendra incident thus far, according to Cr Ross Bartley.

But, he says, the Southern Downs Regional Council is keeping a close eye on other local authorities’ efforts in trying to get damage mitigation permits and assures the Daily News if they achieve them, it will be “hot on their heels”.

A council spokeswoman confirmed the local authority has tasked officers with investigating the actions and requirements announced by the minister, which suggested that an approval for damage mitigation permits could be given for a longer period of time but would still be subject to the same rigorous standards as those that had applied in the past.

Cr Bartley said he wouldn’t be “letting go” of the issue and said those who attended a meeting earlier this month with State Government representatives at the Warwick Golf Club left less than impressed.

“The place emptied pretty quickly and my understanding is many were disappointed with what they learned,” Cr Bartley said.

He said they were told to chop down trees but that horses needed the shade and landowners weren’t allowed to chop down native trees.

“Then they tell us not to plant native trees because they’re attracted to them,” Cr Bartley said.

“But they’ll have a go at anything.”

Cr Bartley said he hoped the State Government would look at allowing local authorities to take more action against the flying foxes and that another major incident would increase public pressure again.