JADED Capel and Stratham residents have aired their frustrations over "chronic" mosquito problems at a special electors meeting on October 14.
About 50 residents joined Shire of Capel Mosquito Management officer Naomi Milner and the Department of Health, South West scientific officer Jay Nicholson to discuss management going forward.
The meeting was requested after the Shire received a petition from Stratham resident Matthew Granger, with more than 100 signatures requesting action.
Residents were concerned about the number of mosquitos plus the health affects to both animals and humans with contracting mosquito-borne viruses Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus.
In 2020/21, 830 people in Western Australia contracted Ross River including 149 in Busselton and Capel.
Stratham resident Marie Bowen said she helped Mr Granger collect signatures for the petition, which took "no time at all".
"...clearly not enough is being done," Ms Bowen said.
Having moved to the area only a year ago, Ms Bowen said her experience with the mosquitos had been "absolutely horrendous".
"Sometimes I can't go outside because it's so bad. This affects families, animals, children and business people.
"I just thought hang on a minute, lots of people are complaining about this but nobody knows what is happening, so it was time for the residents to take it to the Shire."
The six motions that were voted for unanimously were:
- That the Shire commit to open data sharing around mosquito monitoring
- Timely sharing of that data
- That the deliberations of the multi-agency working group considering the management of Muddy Lakes for mosquito mitigation - are made visible to local communities
- That the Shire use multiple platforms to share information
- That the Shire makes a public commitment to control mosquitos
- That the Shire forms a mosquito management community consultative committee of local residents to provide feedback to the Shire
The motions will be discussed at the Shire's council meeting on Wednesday, October 27.
Pip Waller
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
After working in film and television production in Perth, I returned to my hometown of Bunbury to further my skill set as a journalist. I am passionate about the empowerment of women and giving a voice to the unheard members of our community. You can contact me at pip.waller@austcommunitymedia.com.au
