Trust opposes spray trials

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust has called on Gosford Council to take a "balanced scientifically-based approach" to mosquito control, rather than short-term spraying.

Trust president Mr Eric Tucker said the trust was "categorically opposed to conducting spray trials" at Cockle Bay.

Mr Tucker said that the proposal to control mosquitoes by spraying breeding areas around Cockle Bay represented a risk to the ecosystem.

"The Cockle Bay Nature Reserve was established to protect 'the most important areas of unspoilt wetland within the Brisbane Water area'," Mr Tucker said.

"It is an area of special scientific interest established to conserve native plant and animal communities, most significantly its saltmarshes.

"It is difficult enough protecting them from weeds, rubbish dumpers, off road vehicles and urban runoff without deliberately imposing an experimental spray program.

"Although the Trust is categorically opposed to conducting spray trials on this site, we do support rehabilitation."

He said the Trust fully supported the need for a balanced scientifically-based approach when dealing with all issues related to the environment.

"It is well recognised that mosquitoes have a significant negative impact on the social and recreational lives of residents," Mr Tucker said.

"Current mosquito controls include source reduction, encouraging an increase in the number of predators, biological controls, personal preventative measures and insecticides.

"It is important to choose controls that are the correct response to the risk, remembering that consideration must always be given to any risk posed by the control itself."

Mr Tucker said that the trust recommended that all man-made breeding sites such as drainage canals, wheel ruts and rubbish be removed.

"It is also important for each and every householder to ensure that they make every endeavour to protect themselves and reduce breeding sites around their homes," Mr Tucker said.

"Individuals must take personal responsibility for their own health with commonsense precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved garments and by screening areas in and around their homes.

"Short term solutions are never the answer to a problem."

Press release, May 2 Eric Tucker, Killcare Wagstaffe Trust