A Moreton Bay councillor is pushing for a review of the council’s mosquito management program

A Moreton Bay councillor wants more done to prevent the scourge of mosquitoes plaguing suburbs across the region.

ATTEMPTS to manage the mosquito scourge in some Moreton Bay suburbs has failed and residents are pushing for more to be done.

The council has an extensive mosquito control program to keep their numbers as low as possible.

This includes aerial spraying to target larvae in inter-tidal and mangrove areas and fogging and barrier treatments used in public areas like parks, targeting adult mozzies.

Councillor Jodie Shipway (Div 4) made an election commitment to push for a review of the council’s program and she delivered on that commitment today, tabling a petition with 269 signatures calling for just that.

“My research tells me that the Brisbane City Council boasts one of Australia’s leading mosquito management plans,” she said.

Moreton Bay councillor Jodie Shipway (Div 4) is pushing for a review of the council’s mosquito management program.

“While I understand that this is a complex issue with several factors coming into play such as the climate, environmental factors and development to name a few, I still feel we can learn from our neighbouring council and investigate our options to improve liveability and reduce mosquito born disease.”

The success of the council’s current program is dependent on environmental factors including favourable tides, wind conditions and rain, and often coincides with treatments occurring in neighbouring local government areas.

The main areas targeted by the council’s aerial spraying program are Burpengary East, Uhlmann Road, Beachmere, Ningi, Donnybrook, Toorbul, Meldale, Bribie Island, Rothwell, Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Griffin, Mango Hill, Lawnton and Deception Bay.

Mosquitoes are a big nuisance in some Moreton Bay suburbs.

Residents can also help reduce mosquito numbers by:

● Emptying any containers around the home that may contain rainwater such plant saucers, tyres, buckets, and clearing blocked gutters

● Changing the water in bird baths and pet bowls regularly

● Keeping your swimming pool chlorinated

● Creating a frog-friendly garden, stocking ornamental ponds and water features with fish

Rainwater tanks can provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes and midges to breed.

A gap the size of a matchstick head is enough to let mosquitoes into a tank to lay their eggs. Where possible, gaps should be covered with mosquito-proof screen or netting.

The petition will be passed on to council staff for consideration.