Albury Council successfully generated loud noise from starter pistols, stock whips and audio recordings of chainsaws and mowers to blast the bats out of the gardens earlier this year.

But the NSW government is poised to introduce a more drastic policy of being able to protect humans by shooting the disease carrying bats.

More than 1000 bats were moved onto a camp at Leaney’s Bend in Padman Park and remain there on the 12-month anniversary of them moving into the Botanic Gardens.

NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes indicated councils were about to get beefed up powers to do “what it takes” to protect the community from bats, who are known carriers of the deadly lyssavirus.

NSW Health has also issued a warning to people not to touch injured flying foxes because of the danger of contracting lyssavirus.

Bats are entering their birthing season and miscarried pups may be on the ground and people could be tempted to rescue them.

Albury Council’s community and recreation director James Jenkins said he hoped tougher measures to deal with bats wouldn’t be required.

“The council successfully relocated a colony of fruit bats from the botanic gardens in May and June this year,” he said.

“The colony is currently located on Leaney’s Bend, Padman Park and is not presenting any significant issues since the relocation.

“We would need to review the state government package in more detail when it is released next week and discuss it further with Office of Environment and Heritage before making any changes.

“The current management plan has proven effective without the need for stronger measures.”

NSW Health communicable diseases branch director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said the best protection against being exposed to lyssavirus was to avoid handling any bat.

“Only people who have been fully vaccinated against rabies, use protective equipment and have been trained in bat handling should touch bats,” she said.