Mosquitoes Feast While Council Sleeps

The Liverpool Local Government Area (LGA) is currently grappling with a significant mosquito outbreak, which has left many residents frustrated and concerned for their health and well-being. This issue, which has been brewing since 2019, has reached a tipping point, prompting local leaders and residents to demand urgent action from authorities.

Background and Current Situation

The mosquito problem in Liverpool has been persistent since 2019, with an annual control program supposedly in place. However, recent events have highlighted significant gaps in the execution of this plan. The outbreak has been exacerbated by a surge in mosquito larvae at the Sydney Water Liverpool Recycling Plant in Warwick Farm, identified as a primary breeding ground due to its vegetation-covered settlement ponds.

Predictably Liverpool Council is looking to shift the blame and focus to others, when it seems they have much to answer for themselves. Typcially it didnt take long for the sting to get political.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun has called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to address this “urgent health issue,” emphasizing the potential risk of mosquito-borne diseases like the Ross River virus. The proximity of the outbreak to critical services, such as Liverpool Hospital and local schools, heightens the urgency for a swift and effective response.

Concerns were also raised by newly appointed Liberal Councillor “Spin King” Mathew Harte when speaking to Sky News late last week. “The NSW Labor Government and Sydney Water have a lot to answer for, as this infestation can easily turn into a public health crisis,” Mr Harte said. source

In a brief interview with Acting CEO Mr Jason Breton on Flying High 89.3FM on Friday, Jason mentioned that testing is undertaken daily.You can listen to the interview here.

“As a resident, I’d just like whoever is responsible to own up to their mistakes and make an apologIy to residents.If Council hasn’t been meeting their obligations in the management plan then residents deserve to know. Are we seeing this level of mosquito activity across the Fairfield LGA? …Seriously….Just tell the damn truth”- BJ

Community Impact

Residents are at their wit’s end, describing the situation as a “tornado of mozzies.” Local businesses, such as U8F Ultim8 Fitness in Chipping Norton, are struggling to cope with the infestation, spending hundreds of dollars on sprays and zappers. The mental health of residents is also being affected, with some experiencing severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites.

Council’s Response and Resident Concerns

Liverpool Council has initiated several measures to combat the mosquito problem, including trapping mosquitoes, spraying public facilities, and working with Sydney Water and NSW Health to manage breeding sites. They are also advising residents to minimize water sources around their homes and use mosquito control products.

Despite these efforts, many residents feel the response has been too little, too late. Joe Candelori, a local resident, criticized the council for not acting sooner, stating that mosquitoes have been an issue for years. The community is calling for more proactive measures and accountability from the council to prevent future outbreaks.

A Call for Accountability

“This mosquito plague could potentially have been avoided if the Liverpool City Council had adhered to the Mosquito Control Programme implemented in 2019, especially considering the predictable nature of mosquito breeding conditions. However, distractions such as festivals, court cases, and council elections appear to have overshadowed this critical public health issue and comments on Liverpool Councils post have now been switched off” said Mr Michael Andjelkovic Local Campaigner on Social Media over the weekend.

Moving Forward

The Liverpool community deserves answers and action. It is imperative for the council to address the following questions:

1. Why was the mosquito management plan not implemented earlier in the season?
2. How much has been spent on the mosquito management plan each year since 2019?
3. What steps will be taken to ensure this oversight does not happen again?
4. How will the council work with Sydney Water and NSW Health to prevent future outbreaks?
5. A public apology acknowledging that Council have dropped the ball and assurances and that all recommendations will be followed through.

These questions were raised to the Acting CEO earlier in the week and were later referred to the media department of Liverpool Council who have not provided any further comment.

Residents and ratepayers should not have to suffer the consequences of inadequate planning and response. It is time for the Liverpool City Council to prioritize this issue, engage with the community, and take decisive action to protect public health and restore residents’ quality of life.

We reached out to Dr Cameron Webb for an interview on The Pulse this week to talk about the recent outbreak and how much of his Management Plan had been implemented in recent years, however he declined to be interviewed and directed us to contact Liverpool Council for further comment.

UPDATE 09/11 – On this weeks show on The Pulse Charishma Kaliyanda provided this live on air update to the community after attending a meeting with stakeholders from Sydney Water and Liverpool Council late on Wednesday. You can hear the full interview here when we ask “Can we expect an apology and compensation from Sydney Water?”

UPDATE 10/11 – Deputy Mayor Peter Harle made the following comments earlier today on Social Media It appears the Warwick Farm Water Treatment Plant has been the breeding ground for many years, but it appears no-one knew about it. It was only traced as the source last week. The ponds are covered in Frogbit weed aiding mosquito breeding. It makes it very difficult to spray insecticide onto the surface of the water to kill the larvae without removing the weed first. Weed removal is progressing. It appears Council has also discovered around 50 backyard pools that have not been maintained and may be breeding grounds as well. Hopefully current efforts will prevent future outbreaks of this magnitude.

UPDATE 11/11 Charishma Kaliyanda, Member for Liverpool posted this update video a short time ago:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CTzNjCwFY