OODGEROO MP Mark Robinson says Redlands MP Kim Richards is advocating for a flying fox colony on Macleay Island to be culled.
Mr Robinson said by listing herself as the sponsoring member of a petition tabled in Parliament, Ms Richards was supporting the petition.
However, clerk of the Queensland Parliament Neil Laurie said sponsoring a petition did not show support.
“It can just mean they are performing the function of a member and representing a constituent from their community,” Mr Laurie said.
Mr Laurie said petitions could be brought to the clerk or sponsored by an MP.
“If they sponsor it themselves it doesn’t mean they support it.”
Ms Richards said she was just doing her job as a member of Parliament for people in her electorate.
The petition by Macleay Island resident David Humberstone asked the government to consider a cull or remove a bat colony near the island’s golf clubhouse and restaurant.
Mr Humberstone told Redland City Bulletin that it was a mistake to include the word cull in the petition.
“I am not an educated person,” he said.
“I am not really in favour of them being culled.
“It’s just sad that people have to live under such conditions.”
The petition said the colony had increased from about 2000 to more than 10,000 and covered about 12 blocks, many heavily wooded.
“The stench from the colony is overpowering and its presence must prove a serious health risk to local residents,” the petition said.
“Bat droppings are also now appearing further afield in residential properties.”
Mr Humberstone said there were now fewer flying foxes than a few months ago when he started the petition.
Flying foxes are nomadic and follow the flowering of trees across long distances, causing their numbers to rise and fall.