Mozzie ‘plague’ despite dry

Councillor makes request for spraying in problem areas

RESIDENTS from about 130 streets have complained to a Gold Coast City councillor about an unseasonal “mosquito plague” across his division.

Councillor Peter Young says the latest outbreak of disease-carrying insects in suburbs including Clagiraba, Gaven, Highland Park, Nerang and Pacific Pines is “uncommon in the current climatic/ tidal circumstances”.

But a Gold Coast City

Council spokesman said there had only been reports of “slightly increased levels” at Pacific Pines, Runaway Bay, Oxenford and Helensvale, “possibly caused by the storm last weekend”.

The numbers were considered “normal for this time of year”, the spokesman said.

Problems on the Coast are usually linked to saltmarsh mosquitoes, which often breed in freshwater after rain.

But much of the Coast has had less than 10 per cent of the November average rainfall and the Bureau of Meteorology reports some areas have received no rain at all.

Mosquitos in Queensland can carry diseases including Ross River virus, dengue, Barmah Forest virus and West Nile virus.

Taking to Facebook on Thursday night, Cr Young said that he “submitted the names of about 130 streets in all areas of the division (to council) for which people have registered their complaints during the past 24 hours or so”.

“This afternoon I’ve lodged a formal request for attention to the current mosquito plague,” he said.

“Officers will review and determine appropriate responses, whether it be fogging or treatment of any breeding locations.

“This outbreak is uncommon in the current climatic/ tidal circumstances and the street names will help guide the officers but will not limit their review. I will try to keep you informed of the outcomes.”

Cr Young urged residents to check their property was free of standing water “that the mozzies are using to breed”.

Meanwhile, the council has been spraying for mosquitoes at Arundel, Coombabah, Helensvale, Hope Island, Pacific Pines, Sanctuary Cove and Santa Barbara.

Treatment would continue in coming weeks.

In April, the Bulletin reported mosquito problems as rainfall and higher than normal tides created ideal breeding conditions.

More than 170 people have been treated in the Gold Coast health district this year for mosquito-borne diseases, with Ross River fever the most common illness at 107 cases.

Not all cases would have been contracted on the Coast.

Cr Young did not respond to requests for more information.