Australian wetlands and mosquito control – contain the pest and sustain the environment?

Mosquitoes are a problem in coastal areas, particularly in wetlands. They are capable of transmitting diseases, some of which are not presently problem in Australia, but which could be in the future. The framework within which mosquito control takes place includes the responsibility of Federal and State governments for wetland protection and of local government for control of mosquitos. State government may also have a role in research and/or support management programmes. Australian mosquito control generally relies on chemical treatment, usually with larvicides and sometimes adulticides. There are two growth areas in management. First is an increasing liaison between town planners and those responsible for mosquito (and midge) control to inhibit development close to breeding sites. Secondly, minimal habitat modification programmes are increasing. These seek to control the pest but not destroy wetland values. An example of this is described for Coomera Island, to the north of the Gold Coast (QLD).