Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick wants sprinklers installed in trees at the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens to protect flying foxes.
He said a number of groups and residents had expressed concerns about the mammals - some of which are protected - because they were not very tolerant to high temperatures.
Mr Meddick is meeting with a Warrnambool City Council representative next week to discuss the installation of a sprinkler system.
"The welfare of flying foxes has been an issue raised by a number of residents and groups for quite some time," he said.
Mr Meddick said the mammals could easily overheat when the mercury reached temperatures in the mid 30s and higher.
"The sprinklers will be mounted in the trees and cool the forest canopy - where they traditionally will roost," he said.
The system would be designed to spray a fine mist of water over the flying foxes on hot days.
"They don't need a copious amount of water - they need a fine mist spray, which keeps their core temperature down," Mr Meddick said.
He said it was extremely important to protect the flying foxes - some of which are endangered.
"I don't think many people are aware of the critical role these species play in our environment," Mr Meddick said.
"They are critical pollinators and seed dispersers and as forest builders we are blessed with their presence across much of Victoria.
"Unfortunately these megabats cannot tolerate the extreme heatwaves we increasingly experience in the summer months as our climate becomes hotter and drier."
Mr Meddick called on the state government to intervene by funding the sprinkler system.
"The alternative is to let these animals die and and allow irreplaceable species to decline into extinction," he said. Mr Meddick also urged south-west residents to remove netting from fruit trees.
He said the recent bushfires had forced flying foxes and birds to search for food in backyards.
As a result there has been an increase in the number of wildlife becoming trapped in the deadly fruit tree nets.
Mr Meddick said new laws were set to come in as of 2021, banning the sale of fruit tree netting.
However, he urged residents to take action now.
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