More than 50 people listened to a presentation by the Office of Environment and Heritage and Eurobodalla Shire Council. 

The options presented were to create a buffer around the water gardens to stop the bats from nesting near homes and moving them on using lights, noise, smoke and vegetation removal. 

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s divisional manager of environmental services Deb Lenson said issues raised included noise of the bats, smell and faecal droppings. 

“We have mapped the concerns of residents,” Ms Lenson said. 

“A number of complaints have come from residents on Bavarde Avenue.”

Although dispersing the bat colony was the most favored option for residents, Ms Lenson explained it may not be effective. 

“Dispersed animals don’t move far, they tend to stay close,” she said. 

“We can’t predict where they go but we do know it will be somewhere close. 

“They may also duplicate camps.”

Dispersing the bats could make the situation worse and affect more people. 

“They may make two or three camps,” Ms Lenson said. 

“Then you have the original camp, plus more in the same area.

“16 out of 17 dispersals did not reduce the numbers of bats.

“We need to think about where the bats will go,” she said. 

“We can’t predict how the bats will respond.”

Removing the bats could cost hundred of thousands of dollars, and require submission of a management plan to OEH. 

It could take several months.

The council manages 60 per cent of the 9.85 hectare garden. 

Ms Lenson said creating a buffer around the water gardens would keep the bats away from homes. 

“By no means does that alleviate all issues, but it does create a buffer for those who live close,” she said. 

A High Street resident said the trees needed to be cut down. 

“If you walk out my back door, it is in your face and smells horrible,” she said. 

“It is more than a breeding ground, it is a feeding ground. 

“The stench is horrible to live with; you can’t even put washing out.”

A Lower Court resident said their pool had to be emptied because of the bats.