In my opinion the species will become extinct unless the threats that currently affect it cease. The size of the population is in ongoing decline due to these threatening processes. This surpasses rates required to meet IUCN limits for listing as Vulnerable and indicate the species should be listed as Endangered. The area occupied by the species is in ongoing decline due to continuing habitat loss. The most significant threat to GHFF is loss or modification of native vegetation.
Forest clearing continues to reduce the amount of food available to the species.
The species is particularly threatened by the ongoing loss of critical winter food habitat. Critical winter food habitat in the coastal areas of northern NSW and southern Qld is being cleared at a rapid rate. GHFF concentrate into a small number of roosts, making them vulnerable to disturbance in or loss of these critical sites. GHFF undergo food shortages, particularly in winter and spring. During food shortages reproduction is reduced substantially and many adults and sub-adults die.