THE plans for the relocation of the flying foxes from Burdekin Park have hit another hurdle, with the Federal Government still months away from issuing Singleton Council with a licence to proceed.

What was thought to be a sure thing after the State Government’s speedy approval of their licence has now been thrown into doubt with the Federal Government wanting further information on the project before it gives it the green light.

Writing to Singleton Council regarding their application for a licence under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, assistant secretary of the Department of Environment, Cathy Skippington, said the proposed relocation required assessment and approval from the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, before it could proceed.

However, Ms Skippington said at this stage, a decision has not been made on the approach that must be used to assess the project.

Singleton Council’s manager of parks and facilities, Alan Fletcher, said while it was unfortunate the project had hit another stumbling block, at this stage the planned commencement of proceedings in March was still on the cards.

“The indications that we have received from the Federal Government is that it is several months before a decision is made by the Federal Government on whether or not they will grant a licence,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The first step is to identify the type of assessment the Government requires and go from there.”

Mr Fletcher said he hoped to have some indication of the type of assessment in the next few weeks.

Understandably, the news was met with frustration by members of the flying fox steering committee at their meeting on Tuesday.

The members of the committee resolved to contact Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon, to make representations on the town’s behalf to explain the urgency of the situation with Mr Garrett.

Meanwhile, Mr Fletcher also revealed that this relocation effort was a one-off.

If the project happens to fail, Mr Fletcher said that there will be no future relocation attempts due to the high cost.

Instead, ongoing management for the park will be addressed in relation to the park as a flying fox camp.