Adelaide Parklands Flying Fox Colony

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:40): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, a question on the topic of events held in the state land of Botanic Park and the flying fox colony there.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: WOMADelaide begins tomorrow in Botanic Park. As noted in the preamble, that is state land. It lasts four days; however, the occupation of the park for that event is significantly longer, accounting for set-up and pack down of installations for the festival.

Currently a colony of grey-headed flying foxes who have migrated as climate refugees from the Eastern States and are listed on the vulnerable species list have made their home in that Botanic Park since 2010. The noise pollution from semitrucks loading and unloading during the set-up and pack down of the event as well as, of course, the four days of the festival itself are harmful to the colony, as these naturally shy bats take flight when scared and are often injured.

The bats also pose a risk to patrons and possibly performers alike, despite warnings not to touch a dead bat. For example, there have been reports that young patrons have been seen playing with deceased bats during the festival as well as, of course, the broader issues around hygiene and safety with patrons in such close proximity to the colony. The festival itself has clearly outgrown Botanic Park as the popularity of WOMADelaide continues to grow. My questions to the minister therefore are:

1. Given the threat to both the bat colony and patrons and anticipating the biodiversity act's implementation, is the government considering alternative locations for WOMADelaide in the future?

2. Does the government acknowledge the harm and disruption caused by this event happening in such close proximity to that colony?

3. If the government does not intend to move WOMADelaide, what will they do to protect patrons and the colony going forward?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:42): I thank the honourable member for her topical questions, and I certainly will pass those on to the minister responsible and bring back a reply.