Many Tamworth residents can’t wait until the flying foxes move out of the city, but other cities have built a whole industry out of bat tourism.

Places like Austin, Texas, welcome $US10 million a year from 100,000 tourists who come to watch the bats as they head out on their evening flights in the city.

Birdwatcher and nature lover Russ Watts said he wasn’t sure if it was an idea that would take off in Tamworth, but maybe something for the council to consider during the bat survey period.

“I’d be very surprised if it was possible here in Tamworth,” Mr Watts said.

“It might be okay for Austin and their 1.5 million bats. 

“It is an idea, though, and would be better if they were on the other side of the river or a different place, not right in the CBD in Bicentennial Park. 

“They are protected because they are pollinators, but I think council sending out the survey is a sensible thing.”

Mr Watts said he knew of grandparents who took their grandchildren to look at the bats in the park and children were fascinated by them.

Tamworth Regional Council manager investment and growth Craig Dunstan said council had a community survey running at the moment.

“That sort of thing would be great for the community to put into the survey,” he said.

“It’s very emotive, but if anyone has ideas on how to maximise while they’re here, that’s the sort of stuff we need to know, which is why we’re having the survey.”