Mosquito action is deferred

Gosford Council has deferred making a decision on mosquito control in the Killcare area until a report is presented on alternative strategies.

Council at its meeting of February 7 considered a report which examined the findings of a comprehensive mosquito risk assessment.

Council had commissioned the Department of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital to conduct the assessment of the estuarine wetlands and the surrounding residential areas of the southeastern end of Brisbane Water.

The study area included the suburbs of Bensville, Empire Bay, Daleys Point, Killcare Heights, Killcare, Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe.

Following consideration of the report, council resolved, among other things, for the matter to be deferred for a report on the costing of a pilot trial of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to the Wetlands of Empire Bay.

The report stated that the estimated total cost of the aerial application program, dependent on the frequency of applications required would cost between $35,000 and $44,000 each season.

At council's meeting of March 7, Cr Terri Latella said that the matter had to be dealt with, with the greatest sensitivity.

Gosford Council ENV.24, March 7