Attachment 1

Senate Community Affairs References Committee

Questions on notice

Public hearing, 1 May 2020

Parliament House, Canberra

City of Greater Geelong

Question 1

Hansard page reference: p. 32.

Senator HENDERSON: So you've never used fenthion for your mosquito control program, but you've used it for other insect eradication programs, such as for European wasps and bull ants—is that correct?

Mr Smith: That's our understanding, yes.

Senator HENDERSON: Are you able to provide any more information in relation to the use of fenthion?

Mr Smith: What type of information would you like?

Senator HENDERSON: The extent to which you used fenthion in the community.

Mr Smith: Okay, yes. So you're seeking some written confirmation of how it was used?

Senator HENDERSON: That's right: any records as to how it was used or any related correspondence.

Mr Smith: We can certainly find that and provide that to the committee.

Question 2

Hansard page reference: p. 32.

Senator HENDERSON: I would like you to also double-check that fenthion was not used in the mosquito program in any way, shape or form, because your evidence now certainly contradicts the

FOI documents where the City of Greater Geelong declared that fenthion was being used in your program.

Mr Smith: I can understand how you would come to that assumption with that information provided on the FOI, because it didn't clarify which products were used for which programs. I can understand that, so we will clarify that.

Senator HENDERSON: Including the source data as well?

Mr Smith: Yes, we can do that. We can look into that, for sure. In relation to the comments about contradicting from the 3227 group, we're not privy to that information, so we're not sure. That's harder to really explain. Again, that hasn't become public information for us. If that's available at some stage, that would assist us to respond as well.

Question 3

Hansard page reference: p. 33.

Senator BILYK: Mr Smith, I just want to understand your relationship with the group Discovery 3227. Have you ever met with them?

Mr Smith: No, I haven't. We've had some communications, because we're aware of what has been happening in the social media, and obviously they had also done some FOI. So I actually wrote to them personally to respond with some information, but it seemed to me that that wasn't taken up, unfortunately.

Senator BILYK: So you suggested a meeting but they haven't taken it up? Sorry, you keep dropping in and out.

Mr Smith: I apologise. Yes, I did write to the group to seek to meet.

Senator BILYK: Do you know when you wrote?

Mr Smith: No, I'd have to confirm. I'm happy to provide the correspondence if that's of value to the committee at all.

Senator BILYK: Thank you. If you could, that would be great.

Question 4

Hansard page reference: pp. 34-35.

Senator BILYK: There is an allegation that a former—I won't say the title they had. You'll be able to read this yourself soon; it'll be online soon. It's about how people could just ring the sprayer and he would come at nightfall or early morning and spray the streets and parks on demand—no schedule; no record; no problem. Do you put notices up when you've sprayed? Would you have done that in the eighties? Is there any way of ascertaining whether there were spraying schedules? I know it's a long time ago.

Mr Smith: If I could, I'll let Mr Sodomaco answer it. As I mentioned, he's had some long-term involvement. Some of the staff that work for his team now have some of that knowledge as well. If there was a written record of that, it would have been provided through the FOI. We can certainly talk about how the program runs now but also how it would have been run historically, when those staff were involved. I'll hand over to Steve, if that's okay.

Senator BILYK: Yes, that's fine. Thank you.

Mr Sodomaco: I'll clarify the terminology of spraying first. There are two aspects to it. The fundamental aspect of mosquito control is about applying product to stagnant water bodies, and that is the bulk of our program. Most of these are distant from the townships. There are wetlands out there. It's quite a significant wetland area. They're Ramsar protected, so we're really highly governed. Occasionally, we would also do some fumigation around the perimeter of the town, in extreme conditions. We would be guided on that with our light testing. We used to take samples at night to collect adult mosquitoes. There was virus testing as well. We were monitoring for Ross River at the time. Again, we'd use an approved pyrethrum based product, which is a naturally occurring insecticide.

Senator BILYK: Sorry to interrupt. Are we talking about the eighties and nineties now?

Mr Sodomaco: Yes, we are. That's right. We only used it in the early nineties. I'll pick up that part of the explanation. Occasionally you would do some thick vegetation on the outskirts of towns; perhaps some flat stormwater too, but very rarely. It was only during extreme conditions to try and bring the numbers down a bit, to lower the infestation rates. We soon discovered that doing that was minimally effective. Again, our program totally focuses on treating the water body where the larvae breed. That's the fundamentals of the mosquito program.

Senator BILYK: Would you have notified the community that you were going to do that spraying?

Mr Sodomaco: Our officer, I think, used to liaise with the community. I'm trying to think. It's going back a fair bit. We used to meet regularly with the progress groups and the associations in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove, and in other townships as well, who knew—

Senator BILYK: Did you put a notice in the local newspaper or something?

Mr Sodomaco: I can't recall. I'll have to try and find that out.

Senator BILYK: If you could try to found that out, that would be very helpful.

Attachment 2

City of Greater Geelong response to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee’s questions

Question 1: Relates to use of Fenthion by the City for mosquito control.

Response:

The City of Greater Geelong’s (the City) search of retained records identified two documents that refers to Baytex 550, which was an approved product containing Fenthion. The documents (Attachment 3 and 4) are understood to be a stock take list of products at the City’s Drysdale depot at the time. The same reference of stock was also attached to an internal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated 24 June 1994 that outlined budget needs for the mosquito control program (the program). It appears that this MOU was compiling a list of all stock and equipment on hand after the amalgamation of six councils with a further budget request for the program moving forward.

The City believes the Baytex 550 was possibly only included as it was stored in the chemical shed at the time of the stock take. Existing City mosquito management staff who have worked on the program for over 30 years, recalled this product possibly being used for bull ant control by directly applying it to the ant’s nest and did not believe it was ever used for fogging or applying to mosquito larvae. The City has not been able to find any other mention of Baytex 550 in any mosquito management documentation, nor is there any record of its application to mosquito breeding sites or for control of adult mosquitoes.

Question 2: Relates to the potential contradiction of FOI documents and use of Fenthion by the City for mosquito control.

Response:

To the best of the City’s knowledge, the document (Attachment 3 and 4) provided by the City in response to multiple FOI requests that included reference to Baytex 550, which contains Fenthion, was a 1994 stock list of products stored in the Drysdale chemical shed at the time of amalgamation of six Councils to form the City of Greater Geelong.

Having reviewed again the information provided via the FOI requests, the City could have redacted this item from the list as we do not believe it was used for mosquito control. As noted in our response to question 1 above, the City believes this product may have been used for control of bull ant nests. This view is based on the City’s employee knowledge of the program which have been involved for the past 30 years.

It should be noted the stock take list states there was only 5 litres of this product in stock in 1994 and no other records have been found that references Baytex 550 or Fenthion. The very low volume of product also supports the City’s view that this product was not used for mosquito control program.

Question 3: Relates to when the City wrote to Discovery 3227 offering to meet with them.

Response:

The City wrote to Mr Ross Harrison, the representative of Discovery 3227, on 29 August 2019

(Attachment 5). I received an email response from Mr Harrison on 12 September (Attachment 6)

where he acknowledged my letter and criticised the City’s transparency, however he did not accept

my offer to meet.

Question 4: Relates the City confirming if there is mosquito spraying schedules and how we

informed the community of the mosquito control program in the 1980s.

Responses:

Mosquito control program schedules

The City has no records of detailed program schedules from the 1980s to 2004 but does have

detailed records from 2005 to the present time. The City has reviewed all financial and written

records relating to the mosquito program in Barwon Heads to assist with better understanding the

historical program in this area and has developed a summary table (Attachment 7) of documents

relevant to the mosquito control program since 1984. This summary may assist the Committee to

understand the products used, quantities and locations of the program between 1984 to the

present.

Community awareness program

The City has not identified any council records of community awareness or notification processes as

part of delivering historic mosquito control programs in the 1980s by those Councils, that existed

prior to the 1994 amalgamation. However, included in Attachment 8 are examples of community

engagement and awareness materials undertaken since 1997, with the oldest document being

correspondence in 1997 to the Barwon Heads Community Association.

Attachment 3

Attachment 4

Attachment 5

Attachment 6 From: Gareth Smith Sent: Friday, 13 September 2019 2:55 PM To: 'ross harrison' Cc:

Subject: Mosquito Management Program Hello Ross, Thank you for your below email reply to my letter of 29 August 2019. I’m glad to hear you received my invitation to discuss this matter in person. I again extend this invitation to meet with you and help clarify any concerns you have. As the Director of Planning, Design and Development I am responsible for the City’s mosquito management program. I would be more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have on this topic. I must refute your claims the City are being misleading, dishonest or denying any information to the community. I can assure you we take all of our responsibilities to the community seriously, and we are committed to full transparency about our practises and policies, thus offering to meet with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a meeting. Regards

Gareth Smith Director Planning, Design & Development City of Greater Geelong

Office Location – 100 BROUGHAM ST GEELONG PO BOX 104 GEELONG VIC 3220 AUSTRALIA WWW.GEELONGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, Elders in our community and our emerging leaders.

From: ross harrison Sent: Thursday, 12 September 2019 12:09 PM To: Gareth Smith Cc: Subject: Mosquito Spraying Program Dear Gareth, thank you for your letter 29.08.19 At present i feel there is very little that the City of Greater Geelong can do to restore the confidence and trust expected regarding the mosquito spray/treatment programs in Barwon Heads from the mid 1980's to current times. There is little doubt the council has chosen a pathway to mislead and deny full and proper transparency regarding the mosquito spraying program, there are certain individuals within the organisation, employees and contractors who are well aware of the chemicals used and exposure of local residents to those chemicals over a long period of time. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the City of Greater Geelong to cease the secrecy and obfuscation regarding the mosquito spray/treatment program in Barwon Heads, the Bellarine and Geelong district. I urge the City of Greater Geelong to take full responsibility for the chemical exposure of its residents and if and when the Senate Inquiry is announced, to make available all the data regarding the chemical spraying/treatments for Barwon Heads, The Bellarine and Greater Geelong region. We the residents expect transparency, good governance and truth, sadly of which ,we have seen very little of in the last 7 to 8 months. Regards Ross Harrison

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

1

Historical Timeline of Products used in Mosquito Management by the City of Greater Geelong, 1984-2020

Years Dates Documents

Products used & quantities

Reference to scheduling i.e. hours, days, locations, etc

Actual locations referenced in documents

Notes and assumptions

1984-1985

Nov-Dec 1984 to Jan 1985

Ledger print out of costs to mosquito program REX: D19-241271

• Liquid Abate (4L) • Solid Abate (14.5 KG)

Not available Bellarine Shire - no further details

Supports products used at that time by the Shire

1987-1989

31/01/87 10/01/89

Letters from Bellarine Shire to Dept of Conservation, Forest and Lands seeking permission to inspect and treat mosquito (with MosKill) breeding sites on Connewarre Game Reserve and Edwards Point REX: D20-130879

• Moskill (Bti) Connewarre Game Reserve Edwards Point

Supports appropriate approvals from relevant agencies to perform mosquito control and products used.

1988-1989

14/09/1988 21/02/1989

Invoice to South Barwon Council from Bellarine Shire for work performed during the 1988-1989 breeding season REX: D20-130881

• Biocontrol- 80L diluted

• 8 dates • 4 hours of work • 1 location

• Taits Road Barwon Heads

Supports use and quantum of products used at that time

1989 11/10/1989 South Barwon Shire minutes 1989 REX- D20-130878

• MozKil (Bti) • South Barwon Shire

Supports public transparency of program. Supports that the program undertaken in Shire

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

2

(Includes Barwon Heads) before 1987 was rudimentary at a cost of less than $400 a year, requesting budget of $5000 a year to move forward using biological product Moskil (Bti)

1989-1990

06/09/ 1989 14/01/1990

Invoice to South Barwon Council from Bellarine Shire for work performed in the 1989-1990 breeding season REX: D20-130880

• Biocontrol-1500L diluted

• Pyrethrum (1 hour, Stacey’s Road Barwon Heads)

• 16 dates • 24 hours • 5 locations

• Carr St Barwon Heads

• Connewarre Reserve

• Breamlea Wetlands

• Stacey’s Road Barwon Heads

• Barwon Heads Golf Course

Supports use and quantum of products used at that time

1990-1991

17/09/1990 17/01/1991

Invoice to South Barwon Council from Bellarine Shire for work done in the 1990-1991 breeding season REX D20-130883

• Biocontrol - 2050 L diluted

• 21 dates • 32.5 hours • 4 locations

• Carr St Barwon Heads

• Connewarre Game Reserve

• Breamlea Wetlands

• Roycotts (Stacey’s Road) Barwon Heads

Supports use and quantum of products used at that time

1991-1992

18/09/1991 17/01/1992

Invoice to South Barwon Council from Bellarine Shire for work performed during the 1991-1992 mosquito breeding season

• Skeetal-1050L diluted • 13 dates • 27 hours • 5 locations

• Barwon Heads • Breamlea • Connewarre

Supports use and quantum of products used at that time

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

3

REX D20-130884 Bin card detailing monitoring dates REX D20130887

1993-1994

31/08/1993 13/03/1994

Invoice to South Barwon Council from Bellarine Shire for work performed during the 1991-1992 breeding seasons REX D20-130885 Monitoring sheet for South Barwon REX- D20130879

• Skeetal (Bti)-2010 L diluted

• Py Fog- 4L (Breamlea)

• 22 dates • 24 hours • 3 locations

• Carr St Barwon Heads

• Breamlea • Barwon Heads

Supports use and quantum of products used at that time

1994 24/06/1994 Budget proposal

• Biocontrol (15 drums) • Abate (2 drums)

• Estimated 100 hours of solo mist blower per year across all locations

• 350 hours per year of use of Portable spray pump across all locations

• Bellarine Shire • South Barwon

Shire • Borough of

Queenscliffe

Supports the products in stock at the time

1994 24/06/1994 Stocktake

• 1.5 drum Skeetal • 5x5kg bag Bactimos

(Bti)

Supports the products in stock at the time.

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

4

• 6x5 L tin Abate • 5L Baytex 550

The only time Baytex 550 is mentioned (containing Fenthion) and assumed to be for bull ant nest control

1996 25/07/1996, 5,11,1996

Product orders to supplier Garrards

• PyFog (2x20L drums) • Vectobac -120L

Supports the products in stock at the time

1996 09/05/1996 Various Stocktakes

• 5 tins abate Liquid • 3.5 drum Bti • 1.5 drum Py Fog • 1 bag Abate

Supports the products in stock at the time

1997 01/04/1997 Recommended order for upcoming season and Stocktake of 1997

• PyFog (1 Drum) • Vectobac (1 Box) • Abate – 2 bags • Abate- 5 tins

Supports the products in stock at the time

1997 19/09/1997 Correspondence between COGG and Barwon Heads Community Association

• Barwon Heads Supports the City has engaged with the Barwon Heads community regarding the mosquito program

1997 7/07/1997 Correspondence from the COGG to Parks Victoria seeking permission to treat on Crown land with Bti and s-methoprene

• Bti • Altocid (s-

methoprene)

• Lake Murtnagurt

• Lake Connewarre

• Several other Bellarine Peninsula sites (Queenscliff, Ocean Grove, etc)

Supports appropriate approvals from relevant agencies to perform mosquito control and products used. Supports use of products used at that time

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

5

1997 5/11/1997 Contractual Information

between DSR and COGG for the provision of mosquito services

• Bti • Pyrethrum • S-methoprene

(Altocid)

• Breamlea • Barwon Heads • Ocean Grove • Swan Bay • Point Henry • Limeburners

Lagoon

Supports use of products used at that time

1998 9/11/1998 COGG media release regarding mosquito program, detailing use of Bti and pyrethrum fogging

• Bti • Pyrethrum fogging

• 150 sites across COGG

Pyrethrum fogging carried out in: • Barwon Heads • Ocean Grove • St Leonards • Indented Head • Pt Lonsdale

Supports use of products used at that time. Supports the City are transparent with community

1998 22/10/1998 COGG Memo about mosquito program and vast area on DNRE (Crown) lands.

• Bti • Pyrethrum Fogging

• Barwon Heads • Ocean Grove • Pt Lonsdale • St Leonards • Indented Head

Supports use of products used at that time

1997-1998

20/08/1998 Correspondence between COGG and Parks Vic consenting to mosquito treatment on their land.

• Bti • Lake Murtnagurt

• Lake Connewarre

• Additional Bellarine Peninsula locations

Supports appropriate approvals from relevant agencies to perform mosquito control and products used.

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

6

1998 23/10/1998 Report on Abate helicopter trial in 1998, included invoices from Garrards for purchase of Abate

• Abate (100 kg) • 5 locations • 1 date

• Lake Murtnagurt

• Barwon Heads Golf Course Wetlands

• Murray Rd Queenscliff

• Pacey’s Island • Collendina Air

Strip

Supports a trial only of Abate used by helicopter application and locations applied to.

1999 09/03/1999 Purchase of Altocid products from Biorational Resources

• Altocid- s-methoprene

Supports the products in stock at the time

1999 31/03/1999 Stocktake end of season 1999

• Reslin (1 drum) • 1 bag Abate • 2 box Vectobac • 1 tin Abate • Altosid pellets

Supports the products in stock at the time

2002 06/09/2002 Letter to Parks Victoria requesting permission to treat sites with Bti

• Bti • Murtnagurt Swamp

• Rear of Carr St Barwon Heads

• Various other Bellarine Peninsula sites in OG, St L, SB

Supports appropriate approvals from relevant agencies to perform mosquito control and products used.

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

7

2004 Framework for Mosquito Management in Victoria DSE- 2004

• Bti • S-methoprene

• Victoria wide Describes mosquito management in Victoria. Individual Council programs not included. Survey of Councils, COGG uses Bti & s-methoprene

2005 22/02/2005 Council Agenda requesting permission to seek Federal approval for aerial treatment

• Bti • S-methoprene

• Lake Connewarre

• Swan Bay wetlands

Supports the City’s transparency of program and change to a modern program

2005 28/10/2005 Information for residents detailing exact location and time of fogging on 27-28/10/2005

• PyFog • 4 locations • 30 minutes each

location

• Rondor Caravan Park

• St Leonards Caravan Park

• Barwon Heads Caravan Park

• Riverview Caravan Park

Supports the City are transparent with community

2005 9/11/2005 2005 EPBC Permit

• BTI • S-methoprene

• Swan Bay • Lake

Connewarre

Supports appropriate approvals from relevant agencies to perform mosquito control and products used for aerial application of larvicide to RAMSAR wetlands

2005-2020

The majority of monitoring and treatment information is available for this time period

• Bti • S Methoprene • Pyrocide

• Various • Various Supports use of products and quantum used.

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Management Program Summary – 1984 to 2020 Attachment 7

8

• Twilight Supports all subject to review by EPBC Act approval 2005/2132.

2007-2020

Chemical Registers

• Bti • S-methoprene • Pyrethrum • Synthetic Pyrethroids • Abate

Supports the products in stock at the time from 2007-2020. Abate is listed as in stock until 2009

2007 Presentation to Barwon Heads Community Association

• Bti • S-methoprene • Pyrethrum fogging

• Barwon Heads Supports the City are transparent with community

2009 Barwon Heads Mosquito update

• Bti • S-methoprene

• Barwon Heads Supports the City are transparent with community

2009-2020

Media Releases regarding the mosquito management program start dates

• Bti • S-methoprene

• All of COGG Supports the City are transparent with community

Record Number

ATTACHMENT 8

COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT MATERIAL EXAMPLES SINCE 1997

City of Greater Geelong Mosquito Control Program

Barwon Heads Association

1 August 2007

Background• Former Shire of Bellarine and CoGG have

carried out mosquito control for 25+ years• Health Act (1958) / Infectious Diseases Reg

(2001) permit Council to enforce control:“In order to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes which may be

vectors of arboviruses, an authorised officer of the Department or of a Council may give written directions to the owner or occupier or person in charge of any premises to remove or take steps to avoid any condition on those premises conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes”

Background• Council responsible for its land and to

enforce issues on private land • DHS has jurisdiction over Crown lands• Majority of mosquito breeding sites are

Parks Victoria/DS&E lands (wetlands)• Most of these are RAMSAR Sites• Specific environmental legislation exists for

the conservation of RAMSAR sites

Historical Approach• Ground Based crew (monitoring and manual

treatment of breeding sites)• Limited in accessing vast wetland areas and

effectively applying products• 99/2000, Council requested to cease

operations on Parks Vic lands• Community outrage and extensive media

coverage

Historical Approach• Council approached Health and

Environment Ministers for assistance• Working Party established in 2002 to

develop a ‘Framework for Mosquito Control

in Victoria’; released in 2004

• Council currently negotiating with DS&E,Parks Vic and DHS to secure equitable andrecurrent funding

Current Approach• 2004/2005; extensive work to apply for

helicopter use through the EPBC Act 1999• Permit for helicopter use issued in November

2005• Currently use a combination of ground based

and aerial techniques for mosquito control• Aerial treatments must comply with regulations

of the permit, including no aerial treatmentbetween 15 March and 15 August

Effectiveness of Treatments• Ground based= 70% coverage X 70%

effectiveness = approx 49% effective• Aerial based = 90% coverage X 90%

effectiveness = 81% effective• In the best scenario approx 19% ‘gap’ for

mosquitoes emerging• There will always be some mosquitoes

around

Principles of Mosquito Control• Habitat

Modification-change environmentto stop breeding

• Larviciding- treatlarvae beforeemerge as adults

• Adulticiding- targetadult mosquitoes

Mosquito Control Products• Larval Control

– Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) – physically interferes with the larval gut lining

– S-Methoprene mimics juvenile hormones causing underdevelopment at pupae stage

• Products used worldwide and have been extensively tested

• Both are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

• Do not have adverse effects on humans, other animals, or the general environment

2007-2008 Control Program• Program runs mid-August to March-April, it is

wasteful to put out product with limited activity• Monitoring, treatment and trapping to start mid-

August, treat as needed during winter• Aerial spraying cannot occur between 15

March and 15 August as per permit, Swan Bay60m height restriction until 15 November

• Aerial spraying does not occur over townships,it occurs in wetland breeding sites.

2007-2008 Control Program

• Adhere to Program Objectives:– Record and monitor all mosquito sites near

townships– Monitor and treat sites on a 5-7 day cycle– Verify treatments for effectiveness– Conduct light traps to record mosquito no’s

– Investigate resident complaints for localproblems

2007-2008 Control Program

• One crew to focus on township issues likedrains, pits, lakes, etc

• One crew to focus on wetland and aerialbreeding sites

• Testing of mosquitoes at state laboratories• Increased attention to household breeding• Report outcomes and levels to the community• If heavy infestation occurs, late night fogging to

occur to quell high numbers

Mosquito Control Equipment

Mosquito Survey 06-07• 82 responses received from community• 40% of respondents were from BH/OG area• Majority of respondents reported reasonable

levels of mosquitoes last season, mostlyattributed to the drought

• Over 50% of respondents reported theyalways or usually practice personalmosquito control measures

• Many supportive comments

Mosquito Survey 06-07• As a result of the survey we plan to:

– Provide updated info to local newspapers andcommunity newsletters about infestationrates, breeding sites, and control products

– Provide more info about personal protectionagainst mosquitoes, includingrecommendations on the active ingredients inmosquito repellents

– Promote COGG’s mosquito control websiteas a useful source of information

Breeding Sites around the Home

Controlling Mosquitoes at Home

• Dispose of all containers that may holdwater: tyres, tins, rubbish containers

• Empty bird baths and pet water dishes on aregular basis

• Keep pools salted or chlorinated• Remove grass and weeds from drains• Keep lawns and gardens well maintained to

avoid shelter for adult mosquitoes

Protect yourself from Mosquitoes

• Wear loose fitting, light coloured clothes thatcover your arms and legs

• Use an effective insect repellent (containingDEET or Picaridin, follow label instructions)

• Ensure flywire screens on windows anddoors are in good repair

• Avoid outdoor activities during dawn anddusk when some mozzies are more active

Barwon Heads- Mosquito Species• Mosquitoes mainly

Aedes camptorhyncus(saltmarsh mosquito)that are very robust‘survivors’ and dayand night biters, largein size

• Also Aedesnotoscriptus(freshwater ‘container’mosquito) andCoquilletidia linealis(syphon breather)

Barwon Heads Breeding Sites• Main breeding sites include Lake Connewarre

State Game Reserve, Lake Murtnagurt, Edges of Barwon River, wetlands behind Carr St, and the marshes along the Levee Bank

• These sites are affected by tides and rainfall• Vegetation around township provides good

harbourage points for mosquitoes• Stagnant water is the key to mozzie breeding• Backyard problems are significant, an unused

pool could affect a whole block

Barwon Heads

Breeding Sites-Barwon Heads

Lake Murtnagurt

Lake Murtnagurt

Breeding Sites- Barwon Heads

Breeding sites- Barwon Heads

Bairnsdale ulcer• Mycobacterium ulcerans cases have

occurred on the Bellarine Peninsula • Research team continues to study the

phenomenon• Case numbers have decreased in 2007• Association with mosquitoes; unsure

whether directly or indirectly

Bairnsdale ulcer• DHS Project Team (incl Council) looking at

short term and long term approach to‘elimination’ and ‘control’

• Immediate short term is to continuemosquito control program to assist inreducing any possible risk factors

• Not mosquitoes in isolation; strongenvironmental links with certain activities

Ulcer Photos: Early vs Late Stages

• Photos courtesy of Dr Paul Johnson’s Mycobacterium

Ulcerans Websitehttp://members.ozemail.com.au/groverjohnson/Mulcerans.htm

THANK YOU!!Mosquito Control Contact information:– COGG Health Services Tel: 5227 0411– Website: www.geelongaustralia.com.au

Bairnsdale Ulcer Information:DHS Communicable Diseases Unit – Tel: 1300 651 160– Website: www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/

`

Friday 31 August 2012

Media release Mosquito management program City of Greater Geelong Manager Health and Local Laws, Steve Sodomaco, said heavy winter rains had created conditions likely to produce significant mosquito infestations as summer approached.

He said that because of this, Council had already begun its 2012-2013 its Mosquito Management Program, with monitoring and mosquito larvae treatments have already started on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Mr Sodomaco said larvae treatments had taken place recently in wetlands surrounding Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Wallington.

Mr Sodomaco said the mosquito control products used in larvae treatments were Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) and s-Methoprene, which only affect mosquito larvae and do not harm people, pets and the general environment.

He said Council was maintaining its intensive mosquito monitoring program to identify mosquito larvae infestations in their early stages, so the larvae could be treated before the insects reached the adult stage.

Mr Sodomaco said a large percentage of the wetland areas on the Bellarine that were treated as part of Council’s Mosquiito Management Program – such as Lake Connewarre - were actually State government-owned areas.

He said Council treated these areas because of concerns for the lifestyles of the residents living near these mosquito-prone areas.

Mr Sodomaco said the aerial treatments did not involve spraying mosquitoes on the wing, but concentrated on having the helicopter hovering over identified larvae infestations and accurately dropping treatment granules on the infested sites.

“This inhibits the breeding cycles of the insects and significantly reduces the numbers reaching the hatching stage,” he said.

Mr Sodomaco said Council’s Mosquito Management Program would be maintained right through the warmer months, and if serious infestations of the insects continued the program could be extended beyond the usual program end date in March.

(continued over page)

He said that while Council’s Mosquito Management Program would continue to target the main saltwater breeding areas, there were also some actions residents can take to help alleviate problems created by the pooling of rainwater.

“Residents can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by covering up, wearing light coloured clothes and applying repellents,” he said.

“Another useful move is to eliminate backyard breeding sites such as blocked gutters, stagnant ponds, and other containers of stored water,” Mr Sodomaco said.

Further inquiries: John Merlo Media Services Coordinator City of Greater Geelong 5227 0809/0417 030 907

Page 1 of 2

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ISSUED: 13 AUGUST 2019

MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Why do we operate a mosquito management program?

Our community has for many years called upon the City to deliver this service. The mosquito management program operates to reduce mosquito levels in our community. This is done to minimise the health risks associated with diseases like Ross River Virus and Mycobacterium ulcerans and to reduce the impact of biting mosquitoes on our health, wellbeing and ability to enjoy our environment.

What are the health impacts of mosquitoes in our region?

In 2017, Victoria experienced the largest Ross River Virus outbreak in history with 1964 cases reported across the state. The City of Greater Geelong had 66 cases reported and our neighbouring council, Surf Coast Shire, had 92 cases reported (the second highest number of cases amongst all Victorian councils).

For the past 10 years we have had higher numbers of the painful ulcerative disease, Mycobacterium ulcerans, when compared to other municipalities in Victoria. The Department of Health and Human Services notes “The organism appears to be associated with swampy

or stagnant water. The exact reservoir remains unclear. An association with mosquito bites has been proposed.”

Where do mosquitoes breed?

Mosquitoes breed in standing or ‘stagnant’ water. The many salt marsh wetlands in our coastal environment are ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes, including the protected wetlands of Lake Connewarre and Swan Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula. Mosquito levels in these areas are monitored by our staff on a regular basis. Our staff also monitor other sites including areas like freshwater wetlands, drains and easements.

How does the mosquito management program operate?

We monitor mosquito larvae levels in known breeding sites and apply larvicide treatments when larvae levels are high.

• Monitoring

Our staff monitor mosquito breeding sites around the City to check for mosquito larvae. Depending on the number of larvaedetected at the site, a decision is made as to whether the site requires treatment.

• Light trapping

Mosquito light trapping is done at various sites to monitor adult mosquito levels. The number of mosquitoes caught in eachtrap gives us an indication of the mosquito levels in a particular area. Light traps are a surveillance tool and are not used toreduce the overall mosquito population.

• Ground treatment

If breeding sites are easily accessible, our staff can treat the area manually. Breeding sites around townships like pits, drainsand constructed wetlands are always treated by ground based methods.

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• Aerial treatment

An approval from the Commonwealth Government (EPBC 2005/2132) permits aerial treatments (helicopter) for mosquitolarvae in RAMSAR protected wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula between 15 August and 15 March each year. Treatingmosquito breeding sites by aerial methods is effective for reaching difficult to access areas. Aerial treatments only take placeover wetlands, they never occur over townships. Helicopter application has occurred since 2005.

• Community Education

Each year we respond to over 100 enquiries from the public regarding high numbers mosquitoes in our community and howwe manage mosquitoes. We also provide information to schools and community groups as required.

What products are used in the mosquito management program?

The City uses Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and s-Methoprene for mosquito control. These products are approved by the Australia Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for mosquito management (APVMA).

Both products are used widely in Australia and internationally to manage mosquito larvae because of their limited impact on non-target species and the environment.

Products used in our aerial treatment program are in solid form (not a liquid spray) and are dropped from a helicopter flying a low height over wetland areas that can’t be reached on foot.

When do you operate the mosquito management program?

We monitor mosquito levels throughout the year. Our aerial treatment program operates between 15 August and 15 March each year in Swan Bay and Lake Connewarre wetlands. This is in line with our approval from the Commonwealth Government under the EPBC Act 1999. This also protects endangered birds that migrate to the wetlands in the winter months from disturbances from the helicopter.

Where do you do aerial treatments?

Our aerial treatments occur in Swan Bay and Lake Connewarre wetlands. We also do treatments in the adjacent Breamlea wetlands and Lake Murtnagurt. We do NOT apply aerial treatments over townships or in residential areas.

Have you assessed the environmental impacts of mosquito management?

Yes, we are one of only a few councils in Australia that has been through a thorough process. We have approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 to do mosquito management using the approved products, Bti and s-methoprene, in the internationally protected wetlands (RAMSAR wetlands) in our municipality.

Do you spray adult mosquitoes?

No, we do not ‘fog’ or spray adult mosquitoes, nor have we done so since 2010. Fogging is not specific to mosquitoes, it affects other insects and is not an effective method of sustainable mosquito management.

What can I do to protect myself and my family from mosquitoes?

You can reduce mosquito levels around your home by:

• regularly removing water in bird baths, old tyres, pot plant bases, buckets and toys,

• ensuring openings to rainwater tanks are covered with mesh, and ensuring swimming pools, spas and ponds are wellmaintained.

• You can also protect yourself from mosquito bites by using an effective insect repellent, those containing DEET and Picaridinare the most effective.

Where can I find out more?

The City website: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/mosquitoes the Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au or Department of Health & Human Services: www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/infectious-diseases/mosquito-management-for-arboviruses

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MEDIA RELEASE

14 August 2019

Mosquito management program starts Our community has for many years called upon the City to deliver a mosquito management program.

The program operates to reduce mosquito levels in our community. This is done to minimise the health risks

associated with diseases like Ross River Virus and Mycobacterium ulcerans and to reduce the impact of biting

mosquitoes on our health, wellbeing and ability to enjoy our environment.

After winter rain and warming temperatures, the potential for mosquito breeding increasing, the City is

commencing treatments of larvae in areas of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Geelong’s coastal areas are surrounded by protected wetlands, which are ideal locations for mosquito

breeding.

Treating over 1,000 hectares of land, the City has the largest mosquito management program in Victoria.

Treatments are applied manually at ground level and we use a helicopter to access hard to reach areas

distributing biologically approved pallets.

The products used are approved by the Australia Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for mosquito

management and are used widely in Australia and internationally to manage mosquito larvae because of

their limited impact on non-target species and the environment.

The program targets ‘high activity spots’ of known breeding areas that stretch across large parts of the

Bellarine, with treatment targeting larvae at various stages of growth.

A large percentage of breeding sites on the Bellarine are on state government-owned land, but these are

included in the program to protect the health and wellbeing of residents.

The City’s mosquito management program will continue throughout the warmer summer months until

March.

Watch the video on the City website which includes ideas on how to reduce the impact of mosquitoes

around your home and on your family. Find the film here www.geelongaustralia.com.au/mosquitoes/

A useful Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet has also been developed for residents and can be found on

the City’s website: http://bit.ly/mosquitoFAQ

The following comments are to be attributed to Director Planning, Design and Development Gareth

Smith:

“The approved biological products we use only impact mosquito larvae. They are not harmful to humans,

pets or the general environment.

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“Residents can also protect themselves and reduce the risk of mosquito bites by covering up, wearing light

coloured clothes and applying repellents.

“Residents can reduce mosquito levels around their homes by regularly removing water in bird baths, old

tyres, pot plant bases, buckets and toys, ensuring openings to rainwater tanks are covered with mesh no

coarser than 1mm mesh, and making sure swimming pools, spas and ponds are regularly checked and well

maintained.”

Media inquiries: Felicity Bolitho, Communications & Media, 5272 5635 / 0466 795 354

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Media Release Mosquito control starts in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove In response to winter rain increasing potential for mosquito breeding the City has commenced aerial treatments of larvae in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. Other areas of the Bellarine Peninsula will follow.

Geelong’s coastal areas are surrounded by protected wetlands, ideal locations for mosquito breeding. Treating over 1,000 hectares of land annually, the City has the largest mosquito management program in Victoria. It is the only program using a helicopter to ensure access to hard to reach areas.

Steve Sodomaco, Manager Health and Local Laws, said it was important the community understood the City’s control program.

“We do not spray adult mosquitoes, the products we use only impact mosquito larvae. They are not harmful to humans, pets or the general environment,” Mr Sodomaco said.

Mr Sodomaco said the program targeted ‘hot spots’ on known breeding areas stretching across large parts of the Bellarine, with treatment targeting larvae at various stages of growth.

Mr Sodomaco said a large percentage of mosquito breeding sites on the Bellarine, were actually on state government-owned land but these were included in the program to protect the health and wellbeing of residents ‘Council chooses to fund the mosquito management program to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents’

“Residents can also protect themselves and reduce the risk of mosquito bites by covering up, wearing light coloured clothes and applying repellents,” Mr Sodomaco said.

, Action can be taken to reduce mosquito breeding around households..

“It’s essential to remove backyard breeding sites such as blocked gutters, stagnant ponds and other containers of stored water.”

The City’s mosquito management program continues through the warmer summer months until March.

ENDS Further media inquiries: Mark Farrugia Communications and Marketing City of Greater Geelong 5272 5132