$1M program for mosquito control in Peel region announced

6/5/99
Health Minister John Day today announced a $1 million program for mosquito control throughout the Peel region.
Outlining the State Budget, Mr Day said a sophisticated interconnected drainage system would be installed in the Peel region over a four year period to reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.
He said the new system, called 'runnelling' was environmentally friendly and worked by connecting mosquito breeding pools to the main estuary, allowing fish to feed on the mosquito larvae in the pools.
"Experience has shown that previously used methods to control mosquito numbers, such as dispersal of larvicide, are expensive and do not offer a long term solution," the Minister said.
"The opening of the Dawesville Channel has greatly increased mosquito and Ross River virus activity, and there is a clear need for a new approach.
"The runnelling system reduces the need for pesticides and reduces mosquito numbers, producing both environmental and health benefits."
Mr Day said the 1999-2000 health budget of $1.794 billion - the single biggest allocation for any Government-funded service - represented a $153 million increase (9.3 per cent) over the estimate announced in last year's Budget.
"Since 1996-97 there has been a $350 million boost - nearly a 25 per cent increase - to the health budget which highlights just how committed this Government is to the health needs of all Western Australians," he said.
Mr Day said the State Government would spend $250,000 in each of the next four financial years on developing the new system.
He said the project reflected a commitment by the State Government to adapt to the specific health needs of local communities.
"This is an innovative project designed to prevent disease and improve the comfort of residents and visitors in the Peel region," the Minister said.
"The State Government remains committed to responding to the health needs of all Western Australians, regardless of where they live."
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600