Residents near Riverside Bong Reserve were stunned this week when the council's long-running bat deterrent system—originally consisting of motion-activated sprinklers—suddenly evolved into what locals are now calling 'Port Macquarie’s first outdoor bat wash'.

The sprinklers, designed to gently encourage flying foxes to relocate from the reserve’s densely vegetated area, were recently enhanced with an eco-friendly foaming soap solution. Witnesses report 'confused but very clean' bats, some appearing even fluffier than usual, clinging to branches above a slowly spreading lather.

'It’s a win–win,' said Council’s Environmental Innovations Officer Glenn Derwood. 'The bats didn’t respond to the water alone, and we were getting complaints about the smell. So the obvious next step was soap. The bats are still here, but they’re fresh.'

Local residents remain divided.

'I don’t know what’s in that stuff, but my dog hasn’t been itchy in days,' said nearby resident Lynette Trupp. 'I’ve started walking him through the overspray on purpose.'

Others are less enthusiastic.

'It’s like a disco for wildlife,' said Bruce, whose property backs onto the reserve. 'Every afternoon I hear screeching, see mist, and sometimes bubbles drifting into my yard. It’s unsettling.'

Unintended side effects of the system include cleaner footpaths, reduced mosquito populations, and what the council describes as 'improved community vibes'. Plans to add a rinse cycle were briefly suggested before being labelled 'ambitious'.

When asked about the long-term strategy, Mr Derwood said, 'Look, relocation is still our goal. But in the meantime, we’re trialling eucalyptus-scented misting. If we can’t move them, we can at least lift their spirits.'

✉️ Letters to the Editor

Neville T, Lighthouse Beach

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Marjorie B, Community Garden Treasurer

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