Coalition promises $100,000 for mosquito control

The NSW Coalition has undertaken to contribute $100,000 to control "the current mosquito menace" if elected to Government, according to Hardys Bay Residents Group communication officer Mr Allan Wilson.

The money would be spent on a bacterial toxin, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or Bti, which attacks mosquitoes in their larval stage.

Mr Wilson said the announced followed a visit to Hardys Bay by the Member for Gosford Mr Chris Hartcher and Shadow Environment Minister Mr Michael Richardson.

Mr Wilson said Mr Hartcher agreed that the insect would "continue to pose a serious health problem" if no immediate action was taken by authorities.

"Not only are they a nuisance to live with, but the saltmarsh variety, prevalent in this area, is capable of carrying both Ross River fever and Barmah Forest fever," Mr Hartcher was reported as saying.

"The mosquitoes breed in the estuarine wetlands around Empire Bay.

"They need to be controlled."

Mr Wilson said the use of Bti was preferable environmentally to other sprays.

He claimed Bti killed mosquito larvae but did not affect other marine life, and that it was "environmentally-friendly".

"Gosford City Council has agreed to conduct a trial program of aerial application of Bti, but lacks the funds to do so," he said.

"The funds will enable mosquito larvicide to be applied, as well as allow Gosford Council to develop a long-term mosquito control program."

Mr Wilson said the funding decision was greeted with elation by the Hardys Bay Residents Group whose members had repeatedly warned of the "serious health dangers" posed by the mosquitoes, in particular, the salt marsh species.

"This is a wonderful gesture and we are grateful to Chris Hartcher and Michael Richardson who spent quality time with us discussing the problem and in recognising its serious ramifications," Mr Wilson said.

Press release, 28 Feb 2007 Allan Wilson, Hardys Bay Residents Group