Community-led opposition to development
From 1983, vigorous community opposition to a housing subdivision, supported by scientists, led to the protection of land for flying-foxes. The land was jointly purchased by Ku-ring-gai Council and the NSW Government.
All the adjoining public land in the Stoney Creek valley was then protected under a Conservation Agreement between the Council and the NSW Minister for the Environment, and named Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve.
The Conservation Agreement
The Conservation Agreement was signed in February 1991 by the NSW Minister for the Environment, Tim Moore, and the Mayor of Ku-ring-gai, Richard Lennon. It is attached to the title of the land and operates in perpetuity.
It commits Ku-ring-gai Council to restore and maintain the habitat of the grey-headed flying-fox in the reserve, and commits the Minister to assist with technical advice and financial assistance to the owner, to ensure education opportunities and interpretation for the public about the flying-foxes.
Managing the reserve today
A management plan guides Council and the community in caring for the reserve. Ku-ring-gai Council convenes the Ku-ring-gai Flying-fox Reserve Technical Advisory Committee annually.
View the current management plan on Council's website.