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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
EPBC Permit Number- 2005/2132
Introduction 3Season Highlights 4Monitoring and Treatment Activities 5Larval Monitoring and Treatment 6Bird Observations 7Adult Monitoring and Light Traps 8Complaint Monitoring 10Ecological Verification 11Specific Township Activities 12Mosquito Management Plan 19Occupational Health and Safety 19Community Awareness and Community Satisfaction 19Future Opportunities 20Conclusion 21
Appendix 1 Aerial Treatment Sites 22Appendix 2 Monitoring and Treatment Summary 24Appendix 3 Artificial Wetland Risk Assessment 27Appendix 4 Botanic Gardens FAQ and Monitoring 30Appendix 5 Mosquito Management Annual Checklist 33Appendix 6 Future Opportunities 34Appendix 7 Description of Mosquitoes in COGG 35Appendix 8 Web usage statistics 36
Prepared by Rachel Evans and Lyndon Ray Health Services Department, Health and Local LawsCity of Greater Geelong PO Box 104 Geelong VIC 3220Tel: 03 5272 5272 Web: www.geelongaustralia.com.au
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IntroductionThe City of Greater Geelong (The City) coordinates an annual mosquito management program within the municipality and in the bordering Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) and Surf Coast Shire (SCS). The City’s mosquito management program has been developed in accordance with Australian and international best practice guidelines. It consists of a combination of activities including monitoring, ground based treatments and aerial treatments of mosquito breeding sites. The aerial program operates from August to March each year. Generally, mosquito larvae numbers are low during the winter months and monitoring and treatment during this period is minimal.
The main mosquito species found in this region is Aedes camptorhynchus, a salt-water breeding mosquito that is capable of surviving a broad range of climatic conditions. Its breeding habitat includes the many regional salt marshes around the City. Another predominant mosquito species in the area is the domestic nuisance breeder, Aedes notoscriptus. This species breeds in temporary ponds of stagnant fresh water and its presence often indicates household breeding sources like pot plant bases and blocked drains or gutters.
Mosquito breeding sites across the Bellarine Peninsula and Lara are monitored on a rotational basis. If any larval infestation is found, staff will determine the most effective treatment method for the site. Sites are either treated manually or recommended for aerial helicopter treatment. A 4WD vehicle is used to access heavily vegetated breeding sites and a helicopter is used for aerial treatments. A list of sites subject to monitoring and treatment is attached in Appendix 1.
In accordance with the conditions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) permit (2005/2132), the City is permitted to perform aerial helicopter treatments from 15th August to 15th March each year in wetlands around Lake Connewarre and Swan Bay. Low level treatment, below 60 metres, is only permitted around Swan Bay from 15th November to 15th March.
The City uses two mosquito control products for larval management, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and s-methoprene, both of which are approved for use in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). These products target specific aspects of the mosquito larvae biology and do not impact on other species or the environment
Bti acts by producing proteins that react with cells of the gut lining of the mosquito. Bti proteins paralyze the digestive system and infected mosquitoes stop feeding within hours. Bti is only toxic to cells of the gut lining of mosquito larvae and does not adversely affect humans, animals or other insects. It has no residual properties and does not magnify in the food chain.
s-Methoprene is an insect hormone analogue that prevents larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes. s-Methoprene products mimic the juvenile hormones of larvae, resulting in the pupation of an immature insect that is unable to emerge as an adult mosquito.
For adult mosquito monitoring, the City sets light traps around the municipality during the mosquito breeding season. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is engaged to determine the species and sex of adult mosquitoes and to test the mosquitoes for viruses. This helps to identify any emerging arbovirus issues and potential mosquito breeding sources.
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2014-2015 Season HighlightsSeasonal variations are expected each year in relation to rainfall and climate conditions and the way these factors affect mosquito breeding. Rainfall levels during the 2014-15 season were lower than last season. High tides over 1.62 meters were experienced each month during the season, which was similar to last season (1.61 meters). The City performed aerial treatments on 8 days in wetland breeding sites as well as extensive monitoring and ground based treatments. The following is a list of significant issues relating to The City’s mosquito management program during the 2014-15 season:
Larval levels, adult mosquito levels and the number of mosquito related complaints to the City were slightly lower than the previous season, possibly due to lower rainfall levels and moderate temperatures during the season.
Aerial treatments were carried out on 8 dates in 1383 hectares of mosquito breeding sites. A consent agreement with Parks Victoria about the City performing aerial mosquito control
on Parks Victoria managed land was renewed in August 2014. An Environmental Clearance Certificate was obtained from the Department of Defence for
mosquito management on Swan Island Army Base, including aerial treatments and ground based monitoring and treatments
Aerial treatments were done using both Bti granules and s-methoprene sand. Monitoring and treatment of mosquito breeding sites in the Borough of Queenscliffe and
Surf Coast Shire took place on a regular basis. Light trapping increased this season due to the ability to make dry ice with the CO2
cylinder and snow pack. Light trapping sessions occurred on 9 days this season ( with 26 light traps set), which is more than the 4 sessions done last year.
All mosquitoes caught in light traps were sent to DPI for identification and virus isolation. No viruses were isolated during the season.
Community education about the program was provided in regular media releases. Mosquito information on Council’s website www.geelongaustralia.com.au was updated as
needed. Statistics on consumer usage of the web page were kept by the IT department and results for 2014-15 are in Appendix 8.
The development of new housing estates around Geelong has increased the level of monitoring in artificially constructed wetlands. A project to record, assess and monitor constructed wetlands for mosquito breeding around the City was undertaken in 2015, focusing on new estates like Armstrong Creek and Warralily. Risk assessments were conducted in 31 artificial wetlands to assess breeding potential. Preliminary results are listed in Appendix 3.
Mosquito protection information was sent to 15 aged care and senior residential villages following multiple enquiries about mosquito breeding and the management program from senior residential villages in the City.
Helicopter landing zone signage was created to improve OHS in safety exclusion zones. An information session with staff from the Geelong Botanic Gardens was held to discuss
the unique mosquito breeding issues in the gardens and how to manage expectations about mosquitoes with visitors to the gardens. A list of frequently asked questions and comprehensive list mosquito breeding sites in the Botanic Gardens was developed and is listed in Appendix 4.
An educational film clip about the City of Greater Geelong’s mosquito management program is currently being developed by Escapeshift films.
Copies of the Steve Parish educational children’s book, The Mosquitoes Book of Dirty Tricks by Rebecca Johnson were purchased. These will be distributed to primary schools in Geelong along with supporting information about our program prior to next season.
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Monitoring and Treatment ActivitiesMosquito breeding is influenced by a number of different climatic factors including rainfall, wind, temperature and tidal events. These factors also affect the City’s ability to carry out monitoring and treatment. Weather conditions are monitored regularly to ensure appropriate timing of monitoring and treatment activities.
Climate and Rainfall DataDuring the 2014-15 mosquito season, the following information was recorded each month:
rainfall for each area lowest and highest tides average Geelong temperature minimums and maximums
These details were used to predict episodes of larvae growth in the wetlands and inform ground and aerial based treatments.
For the 2014-15 season, rainfall peaked in January with 51.6 ml and the highest tides were seen in October at 1.73 meters. The total rainfall of 269.2 ml for the season was less than last years season total of 374.4 ml.
Both average high and low temperatures for the Geelong region were consistent with previous years.
RainfallGraph 1. Comparison of Geelong Rainfall Levels 2010-2015
TemperaturesGraph 2. Geelong Average Minimum and Maximum Temperatures 2010-2015
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Larval Monitoring and TreatmentA variety of mosquito breeding sites are monitored around the City including wetlands, marshlands, lakes, drains and pits. The sites have been divided into 15 main areas and each area is broken down into a number of smaller locations, which have been named and numbered for reference.
Field staff monitor breeding sites on a weekly basis for larval activity. If larval infestation is found, staff determine the most effective treatment method for the site. Sites are either treated manually or recommended for aerial helicopter treatment. Additional monitoring takes place after high tide events and heavy rainfalls. The tide limits that cause excessive salt marsh flooding are in excess of 1.4 metres.
At the end of each week, staff email a record of monitoring activities via ipad such as: Date site was monitored Degree of larval infestation Recommendation for aerial treatment; including treatment window Product used if site was treated by ground based methods Recommendations for any infrastructure works that can decrease mosquito breeding Photos of larvae or site
Larval counts are estimated by taking a dip of approximately a 100ml sample of water from a site and counting the number of larvae. The larval numbers are classified as follows:
Classification RangeNil 0Low <5Moderate 6-20High 21-100Significant 201-500Extreme 500+
The mosquito breeding sites around the City are separated into ground based sites that are treated manually and aerial sites that can be treated with the helicopter.
Sites have been classified as high, medium and low priority based on larval productivity and ability to affect residential areas. The highest priority sites are monitored weekly. Medium and low priority sites are monitored as needed following extreme weather events or complaints about a certain area.
A full list of monitoring and treatment activities that took place during the 2014-15 season is outlined in Appendix 2. A summary table of the number of sites, monitoring events, aerial treatments and ground treatments for both the aerial and ground sites is listed below.
Table 1. Weekly Monitoring of Mosquito Breeding Sites during 2014-2015 SeasonAerial Sites Ground Sites Total
Number of sites 63 91 154Number of monitoring visits
205 38 243
Number of times treated aerially (on 8 occasions)
71 0 71
Number of ground based applications
12 47 59
Number of site visits 288 85 373
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For the aerial sites, a total of 288 site visits for 63 sites were conducted by the field staff between August 2014 and March 2015. Of the 288 site visits:
Aerial treatments occurred on 8 dates between 15 August 2014 and 15 March 2015. Multiple aerial sites were treated on these dates resulting in 71 aerial site treatments.
12 aerial sites were treated with ground based methods because this method was more cost effective; to follow up after aerial applications or the site was not suitable for aerial treatment at the time.
A comparison of aerial site monitoring and treatment over five mosquito breeding seasons is shown in Table 2. The total number of site visits has decreased in the past three seasons due to changes in protocols for monitoring medium and low priority sites to improve the cost-effectiveness of the program.
Table 2 Aerial Site Comparison over Five Seasons10-11 Season
11-12Season
12-13Season
13-14 Season
14-15 Season
Number of sites 63 63 63 63 63Number of monitoring visits
334 382 255 221 205
Number of times sites were treated aerially
146 96 62 73 71
Number of ground based applications
79 36 37 8 12
Number of site visits 560 514 354 302 288
Bird ObservationsAfter each aerial treatment, the helicopter pilot reported sightings of disturbances to bird life during the treatment. No significant disturbances to birds were recorded during the 2014-15 treatment season.
Date of aerial treatment Location Site Numbers
Bird Observations (pilot)
25/08/2014
Barwon Heads, Paceys Island, Saltwater Ridge
8.1, 8.7-8.8, 3.10-3.14
No major disturbances to birds
10/09/2014
Breamlea, Torquay, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove
8.1,3.13,9.1-5,15.8
No observed displacement or unusual wildlife behaviour
24/09/2014
Swan Bay, Breamlea, Torquay Barwon Heads, Lake Connewarre- Rycotts, Reedy Lake
7.1,4.1,5,9.1-5,8.1,7-8,10.8
No observed displacement or unusual wildlife behaviour
03/11/2014
Swan Bay, Queenscliff, Lake Connewarre-Rycotts, Paceys Island
7.1,4.1,5,3.10-14,8.1,4,13, 14.3-6
No observed displacement or unusual wildlife behaviour
02/12/2014
Paceys Island, Reedy Lake, Lake Connewarre
3.10-14,8.13,10.8,8.13
No observed displacement or unusual wildlife behaviour
09/12/2014 Swan Bay, Ocean 7.1,5, 4.1,5- No observed 7
Date of aerial treatment Location Site Numbers
Bird Observations (pilot)
Grove, Pt Henry 6,11.2, 310-12
displacement or unusual wildlife behaviour
20/01/2015
Swan Bay, St Leonards, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads
7.1,5, 4.1,5,3.10-14,8.13,1,4 No bird disturbances
11/03/2015
Ocean Grove, Wallington, Reedy Lake, Barwon Heads- Lake Connewarre and Murtnagurt
3.9-14,10.8,8.1,4,18 No bird disturbances
Adult Monitoring and Light TrapsMosquito light traps are set at specific locations across the Bellarine Peninsula on a regular basis. Mosquito light traps are designed to attract and catch mosquitoes. The trap is made of an esky, light, fan, 6 volt battery and catchment net. When the trap is set, dry ice is placed into the esky. As the ice melts, it releases carbon dioxide gas, attracting mosquitoes. They mistake the gas as a potential food source such as a person or animal. The trap has a battery operated light and fan, which also attracts mosquitoes. Once the mosquitoes are trapped inside the net, they are unable to be released.
The light traps are set overnight at specific sites and collected the following morning. Data is recorded for each site including weather conditions and the number of mosquitoes trapped. These numbers provide a general indication of existing adult mosquito infestation rates within townships.
The numbers of adult mosquitoes trapped are classified as follows:Classification RangeNil 0 Low <10Moderate 11-100High 101-200Significant 201-500Extreme 500+
The monthly larval infestation rates and mosquito light trap numbers are compared to rainfall levels for specific townships. The results generally indicate that when rainfall levels are higher, there are high larvae infestations and moderate to high numbers of mosquitoes and conversely when rainfall is low, there are low or negligible larvae numbers as well as low numbers of mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes often stay near their breeding site, but some can travel for several kilometres to find a blood meal. Communities can be affected by mosquitoes from a number of nearby sites. This is evident on the Bellarine Peninsula where most major townships are situated adjacent to multiple fresh water and salt water wetlands. Traps are set in populated areas to get an indication of the mosquito levels in townships. The species trapped gives an indication of the source of mosquito breeding, a saltwater wetland site or freshwater site like drainage or easements.
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In 2014-15, 26 light traps were done on nine dates. All trappings were done using dry ice made from the snow pack and cylinder. This allowed traps to be done more consistently than in previous years when trapping relied on the supplier having dry ice available.
Township Number of Light Traps Set Number TrappedBarwon Heads 4 122Ocean Grove 11 423Pt Lonsdale 3 14St Leonards 2 7Breamlea 3 251Moolap 1 0Wallington 2 3Total 26 820
The main species of mosquitoes found around the City are capable of surviving a broad range of climate conditions. Aedes camptorhynchus, the most common species in this area, breeds in salt water and is an aggressive day and night biting mosquito. A table of the number and species of mosquitoes trapped in the City in 2014-15 are listed in Table 3.
Table 3. Mosquito species trapped in 2014-15
SpeciesNumber Identified
Percent of Total
Aedes alboannulatus 1 0.12%Aedes camptorhynchus 782 95.37%Aedes notoscriptus 19 2.32%Anopheles annulipes 3 0.37%Culex australicus 5 0.61%Culex quinquefasciatus 1 0.12%Phlebotomines 2 0.24%Unknown* 7 0.85%Total 820 100.00%
*unknown due to these mosquitoes not being formally identified
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Complaint MonitoringThe City responds to customer enquires and complaints regarding the mosquito management program. The enquiries are called ‘Requests for Service’ (RFS). In Graph 4, mosquito related complaints to the City’s Health Services were less than those received last season. In Graph 5, the monthly comparison of RFS during the past five years shows that majority of complaints occur during the early part of the mosquito breeding season, September to November, when the weather warms up and residents start participating in more outdoor activities.
Graph 4: Mosquito complaints over five seasons Graph 5: Mosquito monthly complaints over five seasons
The City receives different types of complaints and queries regarding mosquitoes. Some require site visits and further investigation. Below is a general breakdown of the different types of complaints received by the City in relation to mosquitoes.
Graph 6. Types of Mosquito Complaints
Over the years, the nature RFS’s have generally changed to include more requests to investigate potential of breeding sites. The City receives many complaints reporting high levels of mosquitoes in certain areas (53% of complaints this season). Complaints about high levels of mosquitoes often originate from suburbs that are adjacent to wetlands like Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and St Leonards.
Graph 7. Mosquito Complaints by Suburb 2014-15
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Ecological Verification In March 2006, the services of GHD Environmental Consultants were engaged to carry out a biological monitoring assessment of water bodies that were treated with mosquito larvicide products. In addition to being approved at the Commonwealth level, this course of action forms part of the EPBC Act 1999 Permit and provides another safeguard in ensuring that no environmental impact exists with such actions. The assessment aimed to identify any impact of Bti and s-methoprene has on non-targeted aquatic invertebrate populations. Below is the executive summary from the report titled ‘Biological Monitoring of the Impact of Aerial Mosquito Spraying on Non-targeted Aquatic Biota:’
The purpose of this assessment was to elaborate and conduct a biological monitoring program in order to assess the impact of Bti and s-methoprene on non-targeted aquatic invertebrate populations. Macro invertebrate populations were sampled before and after treatment with both larvicides with the aim to determine if the populations that were observed prior to treatment were still present and alive after treatment. The macro invertebrates were used as a tool to assess whether Bti and s-methoprene have an impact on other invertebrate communities that the one targeted.
The study was undertaken over two weeks at sites in Ocean Grove using the Rapid Bioassessment Methodology for Rivers and Streams. Macro invertebrates samples were collected from two sites (i) Collendina Reserve and (ii) Bonnyvale Wetlands. For each of the two sites, three replicate samples were taken in order to increase the accuracy of the investigation. The three replicates were selected so that they were as different to each other as possible with regards to biotic and abiotic parameters in order to obtain a broader range of habitats, a broader range of macro invertebrate species and a broader range of non-targeted species that could potentially be adversely impacted by the larvicides.
The analysis of the macro invertebrate communities showed that the biodiversity in the study area was low and the number of families was below SEPP objectives. Moreover the SIGNAL Indices were below the SEPP objectives indicating classifications from severe to moderate pollution depending on the sites. However, the sites were chosen for the primary purpose of this investigation and thus SIGNAL results should be taken cautiously as applications of this biological index are usually limited to flowing rivers and streams.
The results from the investigation were consistent both spatially and temporarily. As similar number of individuals and families were recorded prior to and after application of the larvicides and it was clearly revealed that the applications of Bti and s-methoprene did not have any impacts on non-targeted aquatic biota. Although some slight differences were recorded at various sites, mainly due to natural variations, fish and macro invertebrate communities were found not to be affected by the larvicides.
To view a copy of this report, contact the City’s Health Services Department.
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Specific Township Activities
Township monitoring and treatment informationThe City’s database lists a total of 154 known breeding sites which are divided into 15 areas. The following section details each site location and the monitoring, treatment and trapping activities at the location during the season. The graphs in this section are based on the classification system for light trap and larvae numbers in the table below.
Trap/ Larvae Rating Classification Light Trap Numbers Larvae Numbers0 Nil 0 01 Low <10 <52 Moderate 11-100 6-203 High 101-200 21-2004 Significant 201-500 201-5005 Extreme 500+ 500+
Area 1-Pt Lonsdale (7 sites)Mosquito breeding sites around Pt Lonsdale are in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The saltmarshes around Swan Bay, near Burnt Point, are affected by tidal activity and storm water events.
Low lying drainage around Hollywood and Santamonica Blvds often holds water and is treated regularly with s-methoprene briquets. Lonsdale Lakes and its drainage system, Meneheeres Pit and other smaller marshes and depressions are monitored and treated after major storm water events.
Area 14- Queenscliff (11 Sites)The areas that affect Queenscliff include Swan Bay, Burnt Point, the Murray St drainage system and Swan Island. Drainage around Queenscliff is often pre-loaded with s-methoprene briquets that have a lasting residual effect for five months. The City liaises with the Australian Defence Force for monitoring and treatment around Swan Island.
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Pt Lonsdale
7 0 4 0 4
Queenscliff 11 15 4 8 27
Area 2- Collendina (16 sites)Collendina has several large wetlands that are affected by rainfall. Treatment is often carried out in this area in the early parts of the season when rainfall is higher and temperatures are moderate.
In the summer months, this area often dries out and does not require ongoing treatment. Collendina’s drainage system is monitored and treated by ground based methods.
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Area 3- Ocean Grove/ Wallington (17 sites)
Wallington is just outside Ocean Grove and is situated next to Lake Connewarre. It is a heavily vegetated township with many rural properties that provide ideal areas for mosquito harbourage.
The predominant species in Ocean Grove and Wallington is the salt marsh mosquito, Aedes camptorhynchus.
Many areas on the Bellarine Peninsula are holiday destinations. Stagnant water around vacant holiday houses can also provide mosquito breeding areas, especially in unused spas and pools.
Ocean Grove is surrounded by over 200 hectares of wetlands in the Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve.
Most breeding areas are along the edges of the tidal wetlands and extend from the edge of the Ocean Grove golf club, along the Thacker Street wetlands, around Pacey's Island to the eastern edge of Lake Connewarre and to the Lings Road wetlands in Wallington. ‘
Due to their large size and potential impact on airborne mosquitoes around Ocean Grove, prompt regular monitoring and treatment of these areas occurs after each high tide and/or rainfall event.
Breeding in these wetlands can also affect Barwon Heads.
Ocean Grove site- Pacey’s Island
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Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Collendina 16 0 10 0 10Ocean Grove
17 11 4 19 34
Area 4- St Leonards (17 sites)St Leonards is surrounded by both tidal and non-tidal wetlands. The most significant breeding sites are the large tidal wetlands of approximately 70 hectares along the edges of Swan Bay and Edwards Point.
The Salt Lagoon, the St Leonards Lake and wetlands off the Lower Bluff, Cliff St and Rhonda Ave are ground based sites that are monitored regularly.
Wetlands behind Cliff St and Lower Bluff
Area 5- Portarlington (3 sites)Monitoring and treatment around Portarlington is mainly focused on the marshlands around Point Richards Foreshore, Ramblers Rd and pits and drains around the township. The marshlands are affected by tidal activity and rainfall.
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
St Leonards 17 27 3 7 37Portarlington 3 2 0 0 2
Area 6- Clifton Springs and Drysdale (4 sites)Breeding sites around Clifton Springs and Drysdale include McLeod’s waterhole, Lake Lorne, areas around the Drysdale Recreation Reserve and Clifton Springs drainage reserve. These sites are all affected by rainfall.
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Clifton Springs/Drysdale
4 1 4 0 5
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Area 7- Swan Bay (5 sites)
Swan Bay- Lower BluffMosquito breeding around Swan Bay predominantly consists of marshlands along the foreshore, in particular, around Swan Bay Jetty. These areas are affected by tidal activity and storm water events and have the potential to breed large numbers of mosquitoes that can affect the townships of St Leonards, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. The monitoring and treatment of Swan Bay takes into account the impact that this area has on the nearby townships. Due to the location of the marshlands, aerial treatment can be effectively carried out with little impact on surrounding areas. In Swan Bay, aerial treatment is limited to a height restriction of 60 meters between 15 August and 15 November as per the conditions of the EPBC permit.
Swan Bay Jetty
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Swan Bay 5 27 2 9 38
Area 8- Barwon Heads (18 sites) Barwon Heads is surrounded by large wetlands, marshlands, rivers and lakes including the Barwon River and Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve. Other significant breeding sites include Lake Murtnagurt, the wetlands behind Carr St and the marshes along the Levy Bank.
These breeding sites can also affect Ocean Grove.
Most of the wetlands are affected by tides and rainfall. Due to the potential impact these wetlands have on airborne mosquitoes, prompt monitoring occurs on a regular basis.
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Marshlands near the golf course in Barwon Heads.
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Barwon Heads
18 10 1 15 26
Breamlea 5 107 3 10 120
Area 9- Breamlea (5 sites) Breamlea township adjoins tidal salt marshes that are regularly monitored and treated. Aerial application is extremely effective in this area as a large area can be treated with little impact on the surrounding environment. The dense vegetation around Breamlea provides for ideal harboring areas for mosquitoes. Breamlea can also be affected by mosquitoes that breed in sites around Surf Coast.
Area 10- Leopold (9 sites) The Reedy Lake periphery, Lake Connewarre and ponds near Mollers Lane are the main mosquito breeding areas that affect Leopold.
These wetlands are monitored regularly and are affected by tidal and rainfall events. Aerial treatment is very effective in this area.
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Reedy Lake
Area 11- Point Henry (10 sites)Breeding in the saltwater marshes along Point Henry affect surrounding townships such as Moolap, Newcomb, Whittington, East Geelong and potentially Geelong. Due to the location of these marshes along the Point Henry foreshore, aerial treatment is effective in these areas. Drains and easements throughout the townships are also monitored.
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Leopold 8 14 2 2 18Pt Henry- Moolap 10 16 6 1 23Botanic Gardens 2 0 2 0 2
Geelong Botanic Gardens (GBG- 2 sites)The GBG is a heavily vegetated area that is ideal for harboring airborne mosquitoes. The GBG were monitored following complaints about mosquitoes in the area. Light traps were set and larvae were found breeding in the some of the vegetation that hold water, like the banana palms. These could provide a constant source of aerial mosquitoes within the GBG. Recommendations were made for the ongoing control of mosquitoes in this area.
Palms breeding larvae in GBG
Area 12- Limeburners (5 sites)Limeburners is an area that consists of a number of small wetlands around Geelong Grammar School and Limeburners Yacht Club, heading north towards Lara. These wetlands are affected by tidal and rainfall activity and are monitored and treated on a regular basis.
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Area 13- Lara (13 sites)The mosquito breeding sites that affect Lara include the Hovell’s Creek marshes, open drains, easements and pits throughout the township. These drains are monitored early in the season and most are treated with methoprene briquets.
Location Sites Negative Readings
Ground Treatments
Aerial Treatments
Total Visits
Limeburners Lagoon
5 3 0 0 3
Lara 12 0 13 0 13Surf Coast 16 7 1 1 9Warralily 1 2 0 0 2
Area 15- Surf Coast (15 sites)Surf Coast Shire adjoins the City of Greater Geelong and mosquito breeding in this area can affect the townships of Torquay, Breamlea, and Barwon Heads. The mosquito breeding areas on the Surf Coast include salt marsh wetlands that are affected by tidal activity and rainfall. Heavy vegetation around the Surf Coast provides ideal harbourage for airborne mosquitoes.
Helicopter performing aerial treatment
Area 16- Armstrong Creek/ Warralily (2 sites)
Armstrong Creek and Warralily is a new development area between Geelong and the Surf Coast on the Torquay Highway that is estimated to house 60,000 residents by the time it is completed. There is a large artifical wetland near the Warralily estate that follows the natural creek bed of Armstrong Creek. This area is a new monitoring site. Flooding from this area can affect flows into the Hospital Swamp and Lake Connewarre.
Mosquito Management Plan
The City’s Mosquito Management Plan outlines current knowledge of the mosquito fauna found within the City and establishes a framework for the ongoing sustainable management of mosquitoes in the municipality.
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The Plan contains an annual checklist (see Appendix 4), which provides a systematic approach for planning before, during and after the mosquito season. Accordingly the Plan is amended where necessary, to reflect changes in procedures and ongoing tasks and projects.
Contact Health Services to request a copy of the current Mosquito Management Plan.
Occupational Health and SafetyThe City follows the Health Services Occupational Health and Safety Plan with regard to the mosquito management program. Risk assessments are carried out on each mosquito management activity and chemical registers and chemical MSDS are reviewed and updated each year or as needed.
Safety around the helicopter is a component of the OHS risk assessment. Helicopter landing zones are positioned in secluded areas. However, it is necessary to establish an exclusion perimeter around the landing zone to ensure the safety of staff and members of the public. Signage was developed this season to alert members of the public to helicopter landing zones and to stay clear of the area during helicopter take off and landing.
Community Awareness and Community Satisfaction
Community Awareness/EducationWork has been done this season in educating the community about mosquito breeding and the City’s mosquito management program through media releases and refining educational information on the City’s website www.geelongaustralia.com.au
Educational information about the early diagnosis and reducing the risk of infection of Mycobacterium ulcerans is provided to residents upon request.
Media ReleasesRegular media releases were drafted for the local media containing program updates and educational information for residents. Articles appeared in the following media sources: City News, Geelong Advertiser Community Update, Geelong Advertiser Geelong Advertiser general articles Bellarine Echo
Educational Film ClipThe City engaged Escapeshift Films to create an educational film clip about Geelong’s mosquito management program, mosquito breeding, personal protection from mosquitoes and challenges to managing mosquitoes in this area. The film will be promoted via Council’s website, social media and to various schools and groups in the area. The final version of the film will be ready in August 2015.
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Primary School Educational Children’s BookCopies of Rebecca Johnson’s Steve Parish children’s book, The Mosquitoes’ Book of Dirty Tricks, will be distributed to all primary schools in Geelong in 2015, along with supporting information about our program and protection from mosquitoes. This book is estimated to be a grade 2-3 reading level and will be targeted to those students.
Future Opportunities
Review the budgetary process to determine the impact of high and low annual infestation rates with changes in climate versus allocated budget. This would assist in determining projected resource needs at an early stage.
Continue to evaluate the results of the aerial treatment program to develop the most effective and safe best practice protocol for aerial treatments around the City.
Work to improve communication with City Services and other council departments about problem township breeding areas (drainage, easements, artificial wetlands) and how habitat modification can reduce mosquito breeding in these areas
Continue to target mosquito information to the community in appropriate formats, including primary school education
Monitor new estates for mosquito breeding in newly constructed and emerging drainage and artificial wetlands, especially in Armstrong Creek, Leopold, Clifton Springs, Ocean Grove and Pt Lonsdale.
Develop a review process of wetlands monitoring and tracking any changes over the years such as vegetation levels, siltation and surrounding residential growth and how this may impact mosquito infestation.
Continue to provide updated information on the City’s website www.geelongaustralia.com.au
There are also emerging challenges that could affect the program, these include: Legislation changes in relation to protected wetlands. Increase in urban developments adjacent to wetlands Increase disease and climatic conditions that may increase the amount
of treatment needed without budget increase. A checklist has been developed that outlines a number of issues that have been raised
during the season (See Appendix 6). These will be reviewed prior to the 2015-16 season.
ConclusionThe 2014-15 season had lower rainfall levels, mosquito related complaints and aerial treatments than the previous season. Most complaints were received in the spring (September to November) when the rainfall levels were higher and temperatures were milder. Six of the 8 aerial treatments also took place between September to December, suggesting this time period is expected to have the highest workload and resourcing should be considered accordingly. The following points contributed to the mosquito management program in 2014-15:
Successful aerial treatments on 1383 hectares of mosquito breeding wetlands. Continued monitoring and prompt treatment by field staff of high priority breeding sites.
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More successful mosquito light trapping sessions due to the ability to make dry ice when needed.
The ability to aerially treat mosquitoes early in the breeding season through successful negotiations and the consent agreement with Parks Victoria.
Recording of all known mosquito breeding sites in the Geelong Botanic Gardens and development of a ‘frequently asked questions about mosquitoes’ information sheet for visitors to the gardens
Development of a promotional film clip about the City’s management program As this program raises a high level of sensitivity in the community, targeted education regarding the mosquito management program was continued this season through media releases and community updates. The City uses community feedback as a gauge to measure the effectiveness of the management program.
The most reliable measurement criteria about program effectiveness will continue to be the regular monitoring activities based on scientific data, best industry practice and our compliance with the criteria of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Permit.
Appendix 1
Aerial Treatment Sites
SiteNo Location2 COLLENDINA
2.1 Collendina Pumping Station Marsh/Pond2.2 Collendina Airfield
2.3Collendina/Wetland between airstrip and Caravan Park
2.4 Collendina/'South Salt Lake at East of Caravan Park2.5 Collendina/'North Salt Lake at East of Caravan Park
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SiteNo Location
2.6Collendina/Salt Lake at West Boundary(rear of houses)
3 OCEAN GROVE3.1 Ocean Grove Golf Course River Marsh3.8 Thacker St ,tidal wetlands and creek3.9 Wallington Rd, wetland drains (*horses) Lings Rd
3.10 Paceys Island , perimeter wetlands3.11 Paceys Island , several low lying wetlands3.12 Paceys Hill Wallington Swamp3.13 Saltwater Ridge (Lake Connewarre East)3.14 Wallington-Lings Rd-Connewarre Watercourse Gully
4ST LEONARDS/LOWER BLUFF/INDENTED HEADS
4.1 Marsh behind Houses Cliff St-Lower Bluff
4.2Bluff Rd St Leonards Marsh Swamp (Sth End of Swan Bay)
4.3 St Leonards End of Cliff St, both sides of lake4.4 Salt Lake , Cliff St4.5 St. Leonards behind Charlies
4.6Pt Edward Res, Swan Bay, plus several klm’s of wetlands
4.7 Rhonda Ave Salt Marsh St Leonards4.10 Salt Lagoon , perimeter and backwaters (Sth Side)4.11 Salt Lagoon , marsh on northern edge
4.14Private Indented Heads Salt Marsh, past Dossetor Rd
5 PORTARLINGTON5.1 Pt Richards Marsh Swamp Foreshore5.2 Rambler’s Rd Port Marsh6 CLIFTON SPRINGS DRYSDALE7 SWAN BAY
7.1 Knights Rd Swan Bay North7.2 Nye Rd Wetlands7.3 Ibbotson St, end of Swan Bay7.4 Swan Bay, south of Salt Lake7.5 Swan Bay Jetty North & South Side8 BARWON HEADS
8.1 Barwon Heads Golf Course Marsh - Ponds8.2 Rear 90 Carr St Salt Marsh & Drains8.3 Rear of School State Connewarre Game Res Marsh8.4 Rear of School - Lake Murtnagurt Periphery8.6 Old Turkey farm, marsh and ponds8.7 Barwon Heads Levy Bank and drains and wetlands8.8 Barwon Head Rd- Private Golf Course
8.13 Stacey’s Rd(Rycott Property)- Connewarre8.14 Backwaters8.15 Hospital swamp Wetlands8.18 New site- Back of Lake Connewarre
9 BREAMLEA
9.1Breamlea Salt Marshes A (East Side of Breamlea Rd)
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SiteNo Location
9.2Breamlea Salt Marshes B (West Side of Breamlea Rd)
9.3Breamlea Salt Marshes C (South Side Close to Town)
9.4 Breamlea Salt Marshes D (Behind Surf Club)9.5 Black gate Road10 LEOPOLD
10.5 Mollers Lane, edge of Lake Conn (East and West) 10.6 Mollers Lane Pondage (East Side) 10.7 Mollers Rd Leopold Connewarre Marsh10.8 Reedy Lake Periphery
11 POINT HENRY/MOOLAP11.1 Pt Henry Rd Marsh Drain 11.2 Pt Henry Foreshore Marsh & Ponds Windmill R11.3 Alcoa Powerline Marsh and man made wetlands
13 LARA13.8 Avalon Conference Centre13.9 Avalon Foreshore marshes
14 QUEENSCLIFFE14.3 Burnt Pt end of Fellows Rd14.4 Burnt Pt end of Fellows Rd(2 Ponds to the East)14.5 Burnt Pt, rear of Swan Bay14.6 Burnt Pt, rear of Swan Bay (Pondage)14.9 Swan Island Golf Course
14.10 Swan Island Marshes (Army)15 SURF COAST
15.8 Tidal wetland lakes (4 large)
Appendix 2
Monitoring and Treatment Summary
Monitoring VisitsBreamlea, St Leonards, Swan Bay, Pt Henry and Queenscliff required the most number of monitoring visits during 2014-15 due to the number of high priority breeding sites located in these townships. These sites are affected by both high tides and rainfall. Thompson Creek at Breamlea was blocked for the majority of the season, requiring officers to check the water levels frequently to ensure larvae were not developing rapidly. Collendina, Lara and the Botanic Gardens had the fewest number of site visits, due to the number of sites in these areas that can be treated with long lasting residual products, requiring less frequent monitoring.
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Ground TreatmentsLara required the highest number of ground treatments followed by Collendina and Pt Henry. The number of ground treatments carried out on aerial sites increased to 12 from 8 last season.
Aerial TreatmentsAerial treatments occurred on 8 dates in 63 breeding sites during the 2014-15 breeding season. Ocean Grove had the most breeding sites requiring aerial treatment followed by Barwon Heads and Breamlea.
Graph 1. Monitoring visits by suburb 14-15 Photo: Mosquito larvae Saltwater Ridge 12/2013
Graph 2. Ground Treatments by suburb 14-15 Graph 3. Aerial treatments by suburb 14-15
Aerial Treatment SummaryAerial Treatments occurred on 8 dates and a total of 1383 hectares of breeding sites were treated. Aerial treatment sites were treated with both Bti Granules (Vectobac) and s-methoprene sand (Biopren sand). The table below summarizes each aerial treatment.
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Aerial Treatment Date
Hectare (ha) Treated Product
Amount of Product Used (kg)
Sites Treated Location
Treatment Map (treated areas shaded in blue)
25/08/2014
162Vectobac G 576
3.10-14, 8.1,8.7-8
Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads
10/09/2014
36Vectobac G 144 3.13, 8.1
Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads
140Biopren sand 560
9.1-5, 15.8
Breamlea, Torquay
24/09/201490
Vectobac G 360 7.1,4.1,5
Swan Bay, St Leonards
*Error in GPS recording, no map image available
91Vectobac G 364
9.1-5, 8.7-8
Breamlea, Barwon Heads
35Biopren Sand 140 10.8 Leopold
03/11/2014
55Biopren sand 220
7.1,5, 4.5-,
14.3-6Swan Bay, Queenscliff
98Vectobac G 392
3.10-3.14, 8.1,4,13
Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads
90Vectobac G 360 4.1,5-6 St Leonards
Aerial Treatment Date
Hectare (ha) Treated Product
Amount of Product Used (kg)
Sites Treated Location
Treatment Map (treated areas shaded in blue)
02/12/2014
36Vectobac G 144
3.10-14, 8.13
Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads
70 Biopren 280 10.8 Leopold
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sand
30Biopren sand 120
8.13, 10.8
Barwon Heads, Leopold
09/12/2014
126Biopren sand 580
7.1,4.1, 5-6
Swan Bay, St Leonards
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Biopren sand 420 3.10-12 Ocean Grove
Biopren sand 54 11.2 Pt Henry
20/01/2015
90Biopren sand 360 7.1,2,5 Swan Bay
27Vectobac G 108 4.5 St Leonards
72Vectobac G 288
3.10-14, 8.1,4, 13
Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads
11/03/2015
60Biopren sand 240
10.8,8.1,4,13
Leopold, Barwon Heads
63 Vectobac 242 3.9 -14 Ocean Grove
Appendix 3
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Artificial Wetland Risk Assessment 2015
In the past ten years, several new housing estates have been developed on the fringes of Geelong. Most of these estates have included the construction of artificial wetlands to use as retarding basins to capture stormwater from the estates and provide aesthetically pleasing parkland areas. As the wetlands become more established and vegetation becomes unmaintained, our mosquito management officers have been increasingly called to investigate mosquito breeding.
In 2012, Byun and Webb developed the ‘Guidelines for Mosquito Risk Assessment and Management in Constructed Wetlands.’ This tool was developed for use for councils in Sydney NSW. Included in this guide is a risk assessment matrix for assessing potential mosquito breeding and health risk to the surrounding community from the constructed wetlands. The risk assessment process identifies, analyses, evaluates and controls risk and evaluates the control’s effectiveness.
In 2015, the City’s mosquito management officers undertook the risk assessment in 31 constructed wetlands under 10 years old in the suburbs of: Clifton Springs, Leopold, Warralily, Pt Lonsdale, St Leonards, Portarlington, Ocean Grove, Lara, Marshall and Waurn Ponds. A full report of findings will developed in 2015.
Below are the risk assessment tools and risk matrices that were used to assess the wetlands. As the guides were developed for NSW wetlands, some factors were slightly altered to suit the Geelong region (with regard to complaint monitoring and disease notifications).
Assessment of Mosquito Breeding PotentialConsideration Risk Threshold Risk Rating
Wetland Edge
80-100% of the water body has a hard vertical edge 1 50-80% of the water body has a hard vertical edge 2
<50% of the water body has a hard vertical edge 3
Wetland Shape
Shape is Simple, Facilitates good water circulation 1 Shape is intricate and/or includes angles, restricts water
circulation 2
Wetland Aspect
The long axis of the water body is in line with known prevailing wind direction or is of a circular nature 1
The long axis of the water body is perpendicular to known prevailing wind direction 2
Runoff
Surrounding land is level with the water body preventing surface runoff entering and maximising potential wind action 1
Constructed wetland is located in a depression so that surrounding land slopes down to the water's edge 2
Water depth
Seasonal water body which dries out 1 Greater than 2m 2 Between 60cm and 2m 4 Between 30 cm and 60 cm 5 Less than 30 cm 6
Hydrology Water level fluctuates, water body dries out 1 Water body does not dry out, water level remains constant 2
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Consideration Risk Threshold Risk Rating Water body does not dry out, water level fluctuates 3
Circulation
Water body circulated every 24 hours or less 1 Water body circulated every 24 hours or longer 2 Minimal water body circulation 3
Aquatic Vegetation
Small stands parallel to predominant wind direction Measures to reduce vegetation colonization of remaining
water body 1 Small stands parallel to predominant wind direction Measures to reduce vegetation colonization of remaining
water body 2 Large dense stands randomly planted Not restrained from colonising other parts of the water body 4 No aquatic vegetation 4
Water quality
Minimal levels of nutrients 1 Low levels of nutrients 3 Medium levels of nutrients 5 High levels of nutrients 7
Level of risk for mosquito breeding potentialRisk Potential Total Score DescriptionLow 9-17 Minimal potential for sufficient mosquito
numbers to create a nuisance or pose a health threat
Medium 18-24 Increased probability of supporting mosquito populations to create a nuisance and pose a health threat
High 25-32 Strong probability of supporting high numbers of mosquitoes to create a nuisance and pose a health threat
Assessment of risk to the community health and well being
Consideration Risk Threshold Risk Rating
Adult Mosquito Density
Low (<10 per trap) 1Moderate (11-100 per trap) 3High (101-200 per trap) 5
Very High (201-500 per trap) 7Extreme (>500per trap) 9
Complaints from the public
Low (<2 per season) 1Moderate (3-5 per season) 3High (>5 per season) 5
Notification of locally acquired RRV and BFV infections in LGA
Rare (<1 year) 1Low (1-10year) 3Moderate (10-20 year) 5High (>20 year) 7
Location of water body to
Low (>10-15km) 1Moderate (>5-10km) 3
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Consideration Risk Threshold Risk RatingHigh (>1-5km) 5Very High (<1km) 7
Terrestrial Vegetations
Buffer vegetation mainly planted downwind of the water body or surrounding entire water body or Clear open space between buffer vegetation and nearest residence 1Buffer vegetation mainly planted downwind of the water body, or vegetation grows right up to the nearest residence (may act as a dispersal corridor) 2Vegetation randomly planted or insufficient quantity to provide an effective buffer 3
Level of Risk to Community Health and Well beingRisk Total
ScoreDescription
Unlikely 5-13 Minimal probability for the community to be at risk of nuisance biting or diseasePossible 14-21 Increased probability for the community to be at risk of nuisance biting or
diseaseLikely 22-29 Strong probability for the community to be at risk of nuisance biting or disease
Mosquito risk assessment matrix
Ass
essm
ent o
f m
osqu
ito b
reed
ing
pote
ntia
l
Assessment of Risk to the CommunityRisk Level/potential Unlikely Possible LikelyHigh Medium High HighMedium Medium Medium High
Low Low Medium Medium
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Appendix 4
Mosquitoes in the Geelong Botanic Gardens
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are there so many mosquitoes in the Botanic Gardens?Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and like to harbour in heavily vegetated areas. The Geelong Botanic Gardens poses a unique situation as it full of lush vegetation that provides shade and ideal harbouring areas for mosquitoes.
The Gardens contain various trees (like banana palms) and water features that can hold water and tend to produce mosquitoes on a regular basis.
The Gardens also are close to the salt marsh wetland breeding areas along Eastern Beach and Pt Henry foreshores. Mosquitoes can fly in to the gardens from these areas.
What is Council doing about the mosquitoes in the Botanic Gardens?The City of Greater Geelong Health Services department is responsible for the mosquito management program.
Our mosquito management officers monitor the Botanic Gardens on a regular basis. They monitor the known breeding areas in the gardens for mosquito larvae and put larvicide in the sites if mosquito larvae are found.
We also set mosquito traps in the Gardens to determine what type of mosquito species are present, this can tell us where the mosquitoes are likely to be breeding, as certain species breed in freshwater or saltwater environments.
What products do you use to control mosquitoes in the Botanic Gardens?We use products with two different active ingredients, Bti and s-methoprene. The products act on different stages of the mosquito life cycle and do not allow the larvae to emerge as adult mosquitoes.
The products only affect mosquito larvae and are not harmful to people, pets or the general environment. Our officers place these products in the mosquito breeding sites in the Gardens if mosquito larvae are found.
We also conduct an extensive aerial based program to manage mosquitoes in the salt marsh wetlands around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. This limits the amount of mosquitoes flying into the gardens from the foreshore wetlands.
Council does not regularly spray or fog adult mosquitoes in our program as this type of mosquito control uses broad based pesticides that affects all insects (bees, butterflies, etc) and can cause some human health issues for those with asthma and other respiratory issues.
What can we do to protect ourselves against mosquitoes?The most effective way to protect yourself against mosquito bites is to use an effective repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin and reapply as per the label instructions. There are various other more natural products available, but research has shown these two products to be the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Some mosquitoes are more active at dawn and dusk. Limiting outdoor activity at these times can reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
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Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, so wearing light coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, and footwear that that covers your feet can also reduce your attraction to mosquitoes.
What can Staff in the Botanic Gardens do to reduce mosquito activity?Keep water features flowing or empty any water containing receptacles that do not need to hold water.
Use repellents and wear personal protection equipment to reduce mosquito bites
Health Services staff can leave mosquito control products with Botanic Gardens staff to use in known breeding sites
Contact Health Services if you think the mosquito levels are exceptionally bad.
Spread the word to visitors to the Gardens that the natural setting of the Gardens does allow for mosquito breeding and harbourage and that they should use repellents and cover up if they feel mosquito levels are high
Potential Mosquito Breeding Sites in the Gardens
Shallow ponds that are not flowing- these ponds have no wave action and are shallow- wave action does not allow mossies to develop as they can’t breathe and mossies do not generally breed in deep water
Trees and Ferns that have areas that can hold water- like banana palms, ferns, bromeliads, etc. Water catches in these small areas and breeds mosquitoes
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Drains that constantly hold water
Water features that are not kept flowing
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Appendix 5
MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT ANNUAL CHECKLIST
ITEM
Annual Report submitted to the Commonwealth Department of Environment & Heritage , Parks Victoria and Department of HealthEquipment serviced prior to commencement of the seasonMaterials ordered to enable early commencement if requiredMosquito Management Site Sheets updatedMosquito Management Site Summary Master Sheet updatedContract specifications for chemical supply and aerial operations in place and agreed toConfirm works for infrastructure maintenanceSeek consent from private landowners to access land for mosquito control purposesPress releases advising commencement of programArrange location of light trapsInform private landowners about start of seasonHighlight critical high tides on Year PlannerMSDS’s and chemical register current for materials to be used – update foldersUpdate the City’s website Ensure appropriate licenses and insurances are current for contractors and staff as per legislation and Parks Victoria agreementOH&S Safety Assessment of processes, communications and equipmentSchedule monthly meetings with field staffWeekly - verbal progress check with field staff- confirmation of proposed aerial treatments- ensure weekly submission by email of monitoring locations, record these details- update Program summary spreadsheet- update Mosquito light trap spreadsheet- Website updates- prepare weekly commentary of events/outcomes
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Appendix 6
MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
TASK STATUS DATE COMPLETED
OH&S Safety Assessment of contractors process, communications and equipment
Ongoing
OH&S Induction for movement around Helicopter OngoingOH&S site assessments for all mossie work OngoingUpdate ‘list of works’ schedule for actioning prior to next seasonSort Photo Gallery into Zones and Sites on the I Drive Continuing Jan 2015Prepare invoices for mosquito control (Queenscliffe and Surf coast) OngoingHousehold breeding larval surveillance projectPurchase a higher resolution microscope for species identificationAnnual Reports and ‘trends’ graphs for website and media OngoingPrepare articles for local newsletters (Port Report, Leopold Local) OngoingConduct season debrief with staff and contractors. Done YearlyOrganise I drive/Mosquito Management including deleting unwanted files
Done Yearly
Develop communication system with City Services about township breeding sites (drains, easements, etc)Develop current maps for mosquito breeding sites Done 2009-10Keep website up to date with current information and photos Done OngoingAnnual Report YearlyPurchase CO2 cylinder for quick access to dry ice and light trapping Done March 2014Translate Aerial treatment GPS data to aerial maps with IT Done May 2013Develop monitoring protocol based on site priority Done 2011-12Formalise the Aerial Operations Agreement with Parks Victoria Ongoing YearlyFormalise service agreements with Surf Coast Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe
Done January 2013
Create list of artificial wetlands and stormwater retarding basis for monitoring
Done May 2013
Investigate aerial treatment close to residential areas in Cliff St and Rhonda Ave
Done Jan 2014
Develop primary school educational information on website Done Feb 2013Monitor new estates for drainage issues and mosquito breeding in constructed wetlands
2015 Review 2015
Continue to work with IT on ipad app and program data summaries Ongoing
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Appendix 7
Description of Mosquito Species Trapped in COGG 2014-15
Species Habitat Pest Status Notes
Aedes camptorhynchus
Coastal swamps, bushland, brackish ground pools.
Vicious biter, attacks humans and other animals during night and day, potential virus vector
Can disperse widely from larval habitats
Aedes notoscriptus
Artificial containers in domestic environments
Readily attack humans night and day, efficient vector of dog heartworm, human vector status unknown
Major domestic pest species in south eastern Australia
Culex australicus
Ground pools, artificial containers, normally freshwater, sometimes brackish
Non-human biters- normally feed on rabbits and birds, may circulate MVE in non-human vertebrates
Not well sampled by dry ice baited traps
Anopheles annulipes
Range of ground pool, rock pool and container habitats, generally freshwater
Rarely pest, does not preferentially attack humans. Known to be a lab vector of malaria, human filaria and dog heart worm
Will feed on humans and cattle at night
Culex quinquefasciatus
Man-made environments, polluted containers and ground pools, septic tanks, water tanks, containers
Aggressive biter of humans indoors and outdoors often attack in middle of night, poor virus vector
Generally only active in the warmer months, also feed on birds
Aedes alboannulatus
Widely distributed in Victoria coastal and inland but not typically in drier areas
Can be a minor pest, day and evening biters, not a known human disease vector
Most often found in autumn and spring, feeds on other animals
Phlebotomines Sand fly
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Appendix 8Web usage analysis 1 August 2014 to 1 April 2015
Webpage user information for the mosquito management information on www.geelongaustralia.com.au including monthly usage statistics and the top five mosquito sites visited.
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