Adelaide Parklands Flying Fox Colony

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().6 March 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): I have been advised:

The Department for Environment and Water staff work closely with WOMADelaide event producers, Australian grey-headed flying fox experts and the SA grey-headed flying fox working group, which acts to develop an adaptive process for managing any potential animal or public heath welfare issues, to enable the continued activation of Botanic Park, including for events such as WOMADelaide.

The continuous year-on-year growth of the grey-headed flying fox camp, from 10,000 animals in 2010 to over 50,000, would suggest that WOMADelaide is not causing disruption to the camp. Monitoring has shown that most of the animals stay within the camp during the festival event, with many behaviours observed being similar to when the event is not occurring.

The Department for Environment and Water has a range of measures in place to protect both the wellbeing of patrons and welfare of the grey-headed flying fox, including during the WOMADelaide festival. These measures include:

Working with experts from Department for Environment and Water, Green Adelaide, University of Adelaide, City of Adelaide, SA Health, PIRSA, the commonwealth and Zoos SA.

The application and regular review of the camp management plan and ongoing monitoring of the camp.

Protocols for managing heat stress events, including fencing the camp area when needed and the deployment of a sprinkler system to lower the temperature within the camp.

Safe work procedures are in place at all times for staff and contractors working near the camp, including animal handling and appropriate protective equipment.

Provision of safety information on the WOMADelaide website and on site during the festival for all festival attendees and Botanic Garden visitors.

Provision of space and facilities for Fauna Rescue SA, Bat Rescue SA and University of Adelaide to provide animal care when needed during the event. Sharing knowledge and information about flying foxes and promoting their conservation at Botanic Park via the WOMADelaide Bat Tent.

Provision of longer term support for university research into flying fox conservation and camp management through facilitating access to the site, data provision, staff support and financial support.

On the basis of these observations and provisions, it is not intended that WOMADelaide be moved from its current location at the present time.