A HOLLYWOOD heavyweight and a world-renowned scientist have thrown their support behind Cairns infamous bat colony. American actress Glenn Close has visited the Cairns region several times, most notably while filming movies Paradise Road and South Pacific. She has written a letter addressing her concerns about the planned relocation of the Cairns CBD flying foxes. It deeply distresses me to learn that the Cairns Regional Council, led by its Mayor Bob Manning, is planning to disperse and remove the vulnerable creatures from what can only be described as a unique and ideal location in the town centre, she wrote in the two-page letter. I sincerely hope that you not only leave the colony where it is, but also maximise accessibility while providing education about flying foxes and their value in a delicate ecosystem. A letter has also been penned by Dame Jane Goodall, a British primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist renowned for her work with chimpanzees. ****Education by the State Government is extremely important, she wrote. The Queensland State and Federal Government handing over power to the councils to act is not in the interest of conservation consideration of the species. The two letters have been presented to the Cairns Regional Council by environmental activist Noel Castley-Wright. Mr Castley-Wright will also be approaching other notable Hollywood identities for support. Glenn Close is one of many we are aiming at getting, whats wonderful about Glenn is that shes been here so its credible, he said. The people we are approaching have all been here and understand the eco-tourism side of things. Eco-tourism is a very special part of Cairns. We have something unique here. ****But the council maintains it is acting in accordance with State and Federal Government approval. Cairns Regional Council has resolved to manage and reduce the impacts of the CBD Flying Foxes colony and then work towards their eventual dispersal from the CBD, a spokeswoman said. Council officers are working closely with experts from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, CSIRO and wildlife ecologists. cairnspost.au/news/cairns/hollywood-star-bats-for-flying-foxes/story-fnjpusyw-1226815263321
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 05:28:07 +0000
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