A new colony of more than 60,000 flying foxes at Cooloola Cove has come to the attention of Council.

This colony is located in bushland between Queen Elizabeth Drive, Golden Hind Avenue, and Batavia Court.

It is expected that the roost will very likely move on in the coming weeks.

Environment Portfolio Councillor, Jess Milne, said that flying foxes are a threatened and protected species.

“Flying foxes do a lot of good for our environment by dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants.

“They are vital to a healthy native forest,” said Cr Milne.

Council is pleading with the community to not disturb the Cooloola Cove roost.

“Disturbing a roost will only break it into a number of smaller roosts, which can be more difficult to manage,” said Cr Milne.

Council is reminding the community that if they see a sick or injured flying fox to not touch it. Instead, contact a local wildlife care organisation or RSPCA Qld on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) so they can arrange for a fully-vaccinated wildlife rescuer to come and help.

Find out more at https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/native-animals.