Research grant for mosquito control

Minister for the Central Coast Mr John Della Bosca has announced a $185,000 grant for a balanced approach towards the control of mosquitoes.

"This $185,000 grant to the Australian Catholic University for research is urgently needed to allow NSW estuary managers to seek a balance between controlling nuisance mozzies and conserving important wildlife habitats," he said.

"Mosquitoes have always been an issue in some parts of the Coast, but as our population increases and health issues to do with mosquitoes come to light, it becomes increasingly important for us to understand where mosquitoes fit into the ecological communities in which they live," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Central Coast salt marshes are an Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, and while eliminating mosquitoes from the marshes altogether might seem like an appealing idea, scientists are still unsure of the impact that would have on birds, reptiles and rare bat species."

Press release, 7 Mar 2008 John Della Bosca, Minister for the Central Coast