The park has been closed since March 3 after an unprecedented influx of the species sent large branches crashing to the ground. Sadly, this devastation has effectively bought the ongoing issue to a head.

So this is why they have lodged an application with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to remove 40 of the 83 trees in the park. He says this may be the best opportunity we have ever had to rid our town of the flying foxes.

This is a bold statement considering the roots of the problem can be traced back to 2000 when a colony of protected grey-headed flying foxes took up residence in the park. And, federal member for the Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon has called for a senate inquiry into what he considers a nation wide problem.

Mr Linnane says little reds are highly nomadic and follow their flowering food source, found on the Spotted Gum.

“The above average autumn temperatures mean the flowering season has lasted longer than usual, resulting in the little reds hanging around longer than anticipated,” he explains.

“If there have been any positives from this unprecedented event, it’s that the grey-headed flying foxes have been all but driven out of the park by their little red cousins, meaning Council is in the best position it has ever been in to implement deterrent measures.”

Mr Linnane says once the trees have been removed, Council hopes the community will work together with them to use non-violent methods to discourage them from returning to the township.

“While we recognise their protected and vulnerable status, and their contribution to biodiversity, our community has lived with the noise, odour and destruction of our heritage trees for long enough.”

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