It was disturbing to hear news on the weekend that some residents had taken matters into their own hands and set fire to the cluster of trees behind East Cessnock Primary School, which is home to an estimated 30,000 flying foxes.

Shockingly, firefighters have confirmed in recent days that Saturday’s blaze was one of three fires that emergency crews had been called to at the site in the past fortnight.

To make matters worse, Fairfax Media reported that some people threatened firefighters and environmental volunteers who were trying to extinguish the fire on Saturday.

One incident of this nature would be a concern. But three in the space of little more than a week is frightening.

Wherever you sit in the debate about how to fix the Hunter’s bat problem, the situation has clearly taken a turn into dangerous territory.

It’s a crime for members of the public to intentionally set fire to these trees.

Aside from this, it’s highly irresponsible for people to needlessly take up the energy and time of firefighters with a serious act of vandalism. 

Hopefully those responsible will think twice before they take matters into their own hands in such a dangerous way.

Meanwhile, the divide in public opinion has continued about how best to deal with the Hunter’s flying fox plague.

Some people support a cull or removal of the creatures while others have advocated an approach that prioritises conservation.

Rightly, there was frustration last week when the state government announced $2.5 million for the Bateman’s Bay community to solve its flying fox problem.

But Environment Minister Mark Speakman came to the party on Tuesday afternoon and announced a $1 million grant pool for other parts of the state, like the Hunter, that have been grappling with the bat issue.

People who live and work near the Hunter’s bat colonies clearly need a solution – and fast. The funding allocation is a sign that the government is taking the problem seriously and is willing to help.

It’s also a reminder that we live in a society where rational actions are far more productive than vandalism and wild destruction.