Mornington Peninsula Council wants advice before ruling on trial
Bee keepers have been buzzing with excitement over “news” the region will not be sprayed with insecticide. But their joy could be short-lived. Here’s why.
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No decision will be made about a plan to spray parts of the Mornington Peninsula with industrial strength insecticide without further expert advice and community consultation.
Despite reports the Buruli ulcer battle plan had been halted — after mayor David Gill told The Age “We are not going to have spraying on the Mornington Peninsula in October” — councillors voted unanimously this week to hold off on “taking a position” on the issue until more information on alternative ways to control the mosquito population was available.
Cr Gill told the Leader today it was his “personal belief” that spraying wouldn’t happen because there were “alternatives available that would not harm people or the environment”.
There was confusion among bee keepers following Cr Gilkl’s comment with Save the Bees Founder Simon Mulvaney, saying he believed his battle to prevent the spraying had been won.
The Melbourne University-led trial involves spraying insecticide alongside more than 8000 peninsula properties to determine if mosquitoes are linked to a spike in flesh-eating Buruli ulcer cases.
A pilot of the program was conducted in March with three Rye streets sprayed.
Residents have complained that they weren’t properly consulted or given the chance to opt out.
Environment Protection manager John Rankine confirmed at Tuesday’s council meeting that a “specific” opt out option was not included in information sent to residents.
Instead, they were provided with contact details for the Department of Health and Human Services and told to get in touch with any concerns.
Mr Rankine said households in French, Dawn and Goyarra streets were letter boxed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
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“It detailed what would be done and when it would be done,” Mr Rankine said.
But when it came to consent, “there was no specific tick here to opt in or opt out.”
“Consent to spray wasn’t technically required … the land is council owned,” he said.
Mr Rankine said households “adjacent to” the council land being sprayed could opt out.
Researchers involved in the Beating Buruli project previously told the Leader that residents in the streets that were sprayed were provided with information and given the option to opt out, but none did.