IF councils don't cull bat colonies, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says he'll do it and send them the bill.
Mr Newman says he's fed up with a lack of interest from councils in applying for mitigation permits, which allow local governments to remove the animals from their roosting places.
He says bats are a health hazard and if councils don't remove them, he'll send in state government bat squads.
"We want to councils to actually get some intestinal fortitude and fulfil their responsibilities," Mr Newman told 4CA Radio in Cairns on Wednesday.
"Enough is enough.
"If it continues to be an issue, I will talk to the local members and we will look at how we can come in there and do the work for council, but I stress we will bill the council."
Local Government Association of Queensland President Margaret de Wit refuted claims councils aren't doing enough.
She said they have employed consultant Ecosure to help develop a state-wide approach to the problem, and they'd report by June.
"It is crucial that we explore appropriate risk assessments, jurisdictional issues, management options, likely costs and likely outcomes of any strategies," Ms de Wit said.
A few hours after the premier's statement, Cairns Regional Council unanimously voted to apply to the state government for a Damage Mitigation Permit.
It will be used to manage flying foxes which have set up a colony next to the City Library.
Mayor Bob Manning says flying fox colonies are causing problems for at least 10 other councils throughout Queensland.
"I must stress that Council will not be removing any trees that currently house flying foxes and will not be seeking a permit to cull any of the animals," he said in a statement.
"We want to employ best practice management on this issue that will provide us with a real outcome and move the flying foxes to a more appropriate location."
Council also agreed to support an application for a Damage Mitigation Permit by the operators of Novotel Oasis.
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