FLYING FOXES ARE LISTED AS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES 

As a long-time resident of Geelong, my love for our local wildlife, specifically our flying fox colony, motivates me to fight for their protection. Our local bike race, the Cadel Evan’s Great Ocean Road race, has stressed this crucial bat population. The race’s sounds of speeding bikes, cheers from spectators, the zoom of helicopters, and the revving of cars cause immense disruption to these sensitive creatures.
In addition, the grueling heat of our summer further distresses the bats, seriously threatening their survival. We need to reassess the race route to bypass their habitat and allow them to thrive in peace. The preservation of our local wildlife isn't just a question of simple respect, but it's crucial for maintaining our regional ecology. According to Bat Conservation International, flying foxes are essential for pollination and seed dispersal, significantly contributing to the growth of our local vegetation.
Being a human should not exempt us from our responsibilities to the environment. Nature is not merely a backdrop for our events, but a living, breathing entity that commands our respect and protection.
Preserving the flying fox colony of Geelong is critical, and I urge all residents of Greater Geelong, Bellarine, and Surfcoast to join me in this fight. Please sign this petition to alter the route of the Cadel Evan's Great Ocean Road bike race, to stop causing irreversible stress to our fruit bat colony.