From a horticultural perspective, several issues need to be borne in mind when considering future management of flying-foxes as a vulnerable species. Of particular concern are the processes for obtaining approval to harm species listed as threatened under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). The procedures can be complex and costly, and it is unlikely that many growers could afford to comply with the requirements of the Act. In addition, the processes required under the TSC Act are relatively slow and unsuited to the rapid response needed when sudden large influxes of flying-foxes occur. In addition to new approval processes, there is a need for a significant and urgent research effort to develop and validate alternative crop protection strategies to those currently available. The immediate challenge is to source the necessary funds for this research effort. The development of future management strategies for Grey-headed Flying-foxes will require communication between National Parks & Wildlife Service as regulators, conservation groups, growers, researchers and other relevant agencies. NSW Agriculture supports the establishment of a NSW Flying-Fox Consultative Committee similar to that now running in Queensland.