Bat conservation and education strengthened by new agreement

Cairns Regional Council will provide vital funding to a not-for-profit conservation group to continue vital conservation, education, and community engagement work supporting the region’s flying-fox population.

Under a new three-year agreement, Council will provide up to $60,000 in funding and $27,000 of in-kind support to the Bats and Trees Society of Cairns Inc (BatSoc).

This includes $15,000 for wildlife carers, up to $5,000 for the popular Annual Bat Festival, and $9,000 of in-kind support for storage, signage, and educational resources to strengthen BatSoc’s outreach.

Flying-foxes, particularly the endangered spectacled flying-fox, play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining the region’s biodiversity.

In 2024/25, BatSoc delivered 31 educational activities, including 20 community public events and 11 presentations to schools, libraries, community groups, and conferences.

Council remains committed to protecting the city’s flying-foxes and understands they are vital to our tropical ecosystems, and this partnership will ensure they are better understood, cared for, and protected for future generations.

Since 2018, Council has provided more than $111,000 in assistance to BatSoc, helping strengthen awareness and community appreciation of these important native species.