Wellington Shire Council's vision is for happy people, healthy environment and thriving communities.
After Hours Emergency
1300 366 244Wellington Shire Council will close McIntosh Drive in Sale and the adjacent footpath around Lake Guthridge on Wednesday, January 7, to ensure the protection of the local Grey-headed Flying Fox population and the public.
There is a chance of extended closure with forecasted high temperatures on Thursday and Friday.
In line with its Flying Fox Management Heat Stress Response Procedure, Council closes McIntosh Drive when temperatures reach above 38°C, as Grey-headed Flying-foxes cluster low in trees where they can encounter people. Bats are highly stressed and vulnerable during these times and need to conserve energy to ensure their survival.
The closure will minimise any disturbance and provide wildlife carers with access to support any bats that become ill from prolonged heat.
If you see a Flying Fox on the ground or low in trees this indicates it may need help. Do not touch a Flying Fox. To alert a wildlife carer, call Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue on 0429 930 138 or DEECA on 136 186.
Grey-headed Flying Foxes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 as they are a nationally threatened species. Penalties apply for harassing or disturbing them. The bats are sensitive to noise, so it is in their best interests to minimise noise when near them generally.
They are Australia's largest native bat and, as pollinators, play a crucial role in the health of our forests.
Grey-headed Flying Foxes pose no risk to humans when they are flying overhead or roosting. It is very important, however, that flying foxes are not handled because a small percentage may carry Australian bat lyssavirus or Hendra virus. Neither droppings or urine can spread these viruses, so it is not dangerous to have a colony sited nearby.