A FLYING fox roost that was targeted for relocation remains in a park in the heart of Charters Towers.
The flying foxes, which have plagued locals for years since invading Lissner Park, were due to be relocated to an alternative block four kilometres out of town.
But Charters Towers Mayor Frank Beveridge said the roost remained despite plans for the Department of Environment and Science to relocate the colony to Young's Block in April 2020.
Cr Beveridge has called for Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch to intervene before the relocation window closes for another year.
"Looking at the minutes from the Flying Fox Advisory Committee meetings, Young's Block was identified as a potential alternate roost site in December 2018," Cr Beveridge said.
"In January 2019, it was recommended that the best time to move the flying fox, by the department, was April/May 2020.
"From what I can tell, very little work has been undertaken at Young's Block by the department and no one from the state government is ready to move the bats on."
Cr Beveridge said the April/May period was identified as an ideal time to act as flying fox numbers were low which reduced the cost of dispersal and increased chance of success.
Relocation during this period also complies with legislative requirements as the chances of young and dependent flying fox being present are low.
"We are now into May, and the opportunity to move them is slipping away," Cr Beveridge said.
"If the department doesn't act now, we'll have to wait another year before any action can be undertaken.
"The funds are available and it's not good enough for our community to have to wait any longer for the relocation of the bats."
The state government allocated $900,000 for habitat works at an alternate roost site and flying fox dispersal at Lissner Park in 2018.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch's office has been contacted for comment.