The often difficult, lengthy and expensive process of getting state or federal government approval to disperse flying fox colonies is in the sights of a NSW mid-north coast council.

Nambucca Shire councillors have voted unanimously to ask the 2017 Local Government NSW conference to help lobby the State Government for legislative change.

The annual conference will be held in Sydney from December 4–6.

The council said if it was accepted that flying fox colonies were undesirable within about 500 metres of residences, schools and public facilities, the state and federal governments could modify legislation.

If and when flying foxes were noticed beginning to frequent an area, a council, with the assistance of the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), could take immediate action to move them on before a colony became established.

Mayor Rhonda Hoban said it was likely the general public would be keen to assist in notifying councils or the OEH of flying fox activity near their homes or public facilities.

Flying fox colony in the Nambucca. ( Supplied: Nambucca Shire Council )

"There's a lot of talk about existing colonies, but nothing is being done to make sure other communities don't somewhere in the future end up facing all of the issues that we are in Nambucca," Cr Hoban said.

"There have been major problems trying to disperse large colonies in areas such as near Gordon Park in Nambucca Heads, the Maclean High School and in the botanical gardens in Sydney."

Cr Hoban said the major problems associated with large bat colonies were noise, odour and droppings.

There have also been concerns about the Hendra virus, which is spread in flying fox droppings.

The virus has killed a number of horses in outbreaks in Queensland and New South Wales in recent years.