The City of Greater Geelong has begun its mosquito management program, focusing on ground control programs around townships.
The City has also submitted a detailed application to the Commonwealth Government for a 10-year permit to conduct treatments in Ramsar listed wetlands at Port Phillip Bay and the Bellarine Peninsula.
‘Treatments on these wetlands can only start when the Commonwealth Government grants approval and we are continuing to work through this rigorous process,’ Director of City Services Guy Wilson-Browne said.
‘It is regrettable that we are unlikely to be permitted to conduct aerial and ground treatments on these wetlands this year and we acknowledge that mosquito treatment overall will be less effective than in previous years.’
The Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 requires cities to secure a permit from the Commonwealth Government in order to conduct the treatments on wetlands that are designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar convention.
Director Wilson-Browne said they were doing everything within the legislative requirements to minimise pest and public health risks from mosquitoes.
‘The permits required in our municipality are more stringent than in other parts of Australia because our wetlands are so precious,’ Director Wilson-Browne said.
‘These are environmentally significant, internationally protected wetlands so it’s imperative that we receive the relevant approvals and get the process right.’
Mosquito Management Officers are continuing ground treatments across the region outside of the Ramsar list wetlands.
The City of Greater Geelong is the only municipality in Victoria to conduct aerial treatments of mosquitos via the application of pellets. The City also only uses products approved by the Australia Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for mosquito control around populated areas.
Officers have completed ground larvicide monitoring at more than 50 sites across the Geelong region since July 2021. Treatments have been applied at 14 locations including Corio, Connewarre, Geelong Botanic Gardens, Lara, Point Lonsdale, St Leonards, and Wallington.
Director Wilson-Browne said this year’s mosquito season may see higher numbers depending on weather conditions.
‘We ask that everyone helps to manage mosquito populations by following steps to maintain their properties and reduce opportunities for mosquito breeding,’ he said.
While the City is working hard to safely reduce their numbers, mosquitoes are a natural part of the ecosystem and it’s not possible to eliminate all mosquitos.
Source: City of Greater Geelong Media Release. Content has been edited for style and length.