Monitoring of midge levels begins again at Lake Joondalup

9/7/02
Monitoring of midge levels at Lake Joondalup began today as part of the on-going Midge Management Strategy for the area, Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said.
Dr Edwards said the strategy was an ongoing collaborative project between the Department of Conservation and Land Management, City of Wanneroo and the City of Joondalup.
"The problem of nuisance midge has been an ongoing issue for residents and users of Lake Joondalup for a number of years," she said.
"To help alleviate the problem, while ensuring the ongoing natural management of midges as part of the wetland ecosystem, a Midge Management Strategy has been implemented over the past 18 months.
"It involves treatment, ongoing monitoring and investigation into appropriate research projects that may assist in dealing with nuisance midge."
Dr Edwards said the two local authorities, with assistance from the department, undertake a regular monitoring program throughout the year to observe midge larvae levels in the lake.
"Though midge forms a part of the natural system of wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain, midge populations increase through additional nutrients entering the lake system from urban and rural development," she said.
"By monitoring midge larval levels at this time of the year, in the lake it is possible to identify the most appropriate times to treat the lake to reduce the midge population.
"This helps minimise environmental impacts on the lake system by rationalising the amount of treatments undertaken during the year."
Dr Edwards said the strategy was working well and showed what could be achieved when the community, State and Local Government worked together.
"The City of Wanneroo, City of Joondalup and the department have involved local residents and community groups in the development and implementation of the strategy," she said.
"Community consultation is one of the reasons why the strategy is working to the benefit of the community and the environment."

For technical information please call Mitzi Vance at CALM on 9389 8644.
Minister's office: 9220 5050