Flying-fox predation has been a problem to horticulturists on the North Coast of New South Wales since the industry was established. Predation is especially severe in spring/early summer when most fruit crops are ripening. Flying-fox predation has inflicted considerable losses on fruit production. Predation has intensified since 1998 to the point that it is a perennial and expanding threat to industry viability. North Coast Horticulture offers five suggestions for consideration 1) there is an urgent and overdue need to bring those with expertise on the flying-fox issue into a consultative committee to address management problems; 2) incentives are required to encourage/assist growers to net their orchards; 3) governments must make a serious commitment to an integrated and properly-funded research effort; 4) shooting under licence should continue until effective non-lethal alternatives are available; 5) in the event that shooting is banned, we propose that farmers with vulnerable fruit crops should be eligible for compensation from the State for losses due to predation by flying-foxes. If public policy is to be changed to benefit the whole community, the community through the State budget should share the cost.