A scientifically-based management committed must be appointed to resolve the issue using measures that will in no way threaten the survival of flying foxes. The Victorian government must immediately review the actions of Sherryl Garbutt, who has in rejecting the recommendation of her Scientific Advisory Committee, provided justification, and public acceptance for the culling of a threatened species. These actions will in no way offer any long-term protection to trees in the MBG, but will instead create precedent with unthinkable repercussions for ALL native animals across Australia. It is also important to remind Ministers that culling of a protected species should be permitted only if 1. All non-lethal actions have been taken to prevent damage or loss caused by wildlife.
Wildlife is a direct threat to human well being.
The culling is ecologically sustainable 4. The species is not threatened or endangered 5. The proposed method of culling is humane and not likely to cause unnecessary suffering to the wildlife. There are many viable, non-lethal alternatives to the culling program, such as relocation and better management of the damage caused by bats, as is practised in the Sydney Botanic Gardens. Please urge the Following Ministers to support the recommendations of Sentor Lyn Allison to stop the killing of grey-headed flying fox in Melbourne's Botanic Gardens under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.