Urban development close to the breeding sites of mosquitoes or biting midges raises issues relating to public health and comfort. Poorly planned development may actually create breeding habitat for insect pests, or may encourage the movement of pests into urban areas.

The control of insects that are known disease vectors is a statutory requirement of Queensland's Local Authorities under the provision of the Health Act 1937, and the Mosquito Destruction and Prevention Regulations.

Whether by the application of chemical agents, the use of biological controls, or the physical modification of coastal habitat, mosquito and biting midge control inevitably alters the ecological status quo: control programs must be designed to be not only effective, but also environmentally sensitive.

FRC Environmental have undertaken a number of mosquito- and midge-related studies. These have ranged from field investigations to determine the extent of breeding sites, to the development of site specific control strategies, integrating development design considerations with chemical, biological and physical control strategies. Examples of recent projects include:

• Southern Bay Islands Planning and Landuse Strategy; Redland Shire / Dept. Housing and Local Government.
  
  The development of a mosquito and biting midge control strategy was a major component of this multi-faceted study. FRC's investigations included the mapping of mosquito breeding habitat, the assessment of nuisance reports to Council, and of the incidence of Ross River fever, and the recommendation of an effective, environmentally acceptable control strategy.


• Assessment of Mosquito and Biting Midge over Land Considered for Rezoning; Delfin Properties.
  
  The preparation of a Development Control Plan by Redland Shire Council, required a preliminary assessment of the likely incidence of mosquito and biting midge over the site, and of Council's recently enacted Mosquito Control Strategy. The study considered the proximity of known breeding sites, the ecology of the dominant species, their status as vectors of disease, and a range of mitigating planning and design issues.


• Donnybrook Log Storage Depot EMP; QDPI Forestry.
  
  The development of a large scale log storage facility utilising reticulated water, adjacent to the Pumicestone Passage required the development of an Environmental Management Plan, that took into consideration the natural presence of mosquitos and biting midge, and the effect on-site water storage would have on mosquito breeding. Strategies for reducing the incidence of mosquitos across the site and for limiting opportunities for mosquito breeding on site were developed.


• Pelican Waters EIS, Pumicestone Passage; Henzells Pty Ltd.
  
  The proposed Pelican Waters urban development adjoins Bells Creek on Pumicestone Passage. The incidence of mosquito and biting midge was recognised by Council as being a major constrain on development. FRC undertook studies to describe the likely incidence of pest species over the site, and to recommend control strategies.


• Biting Midge Breeding Sites Assessment, River Heads; The Peter Kurts Group.
  
  Intertidal habitats at River Heads were sampled to assess the distribution of midge breeding grounds. Adult midge collected by local residents were also identified. Recommendations on available control measures and environmental considerations were made.


• Royal Palms Resort, Cairns: Daikyo Properties.
  
  The development of a 27 hole golf course adjoining coastal wetlands, necessitated an appraisal of the likely hazards posed by mosquito and biting midge. In addition the ecology of the identified pest species was described, and methods developed to control mosquito breeding in the variety of water bodies within the course. The use of larvivorous native fishes to control mosquito breeding was given particular attention.


• Shoal Point Resort, Mackay, EIS; Bio-Track Pty Ltd.
  
  The proposed development of an international resort adjoining coastal wetlands, necessitated the consideration of issues relating to the incidence and control of mosquitos, as a component of the Environmental Impact Statement.

FRC has also been extensively involved in the assessment of the relative environmental impacts of control practices (larvicides; growth regulators; bio-toxins; habitat modification) on non-target organisms. In this regard, relevant projects include:

• Review of Mosquito and Biting Midge Control Practices in Queensland; Queensland Commercial Fishermens Organisation
  
  The review involved the survey of local authorities across Queensland to determine current control practices, and the level of appreciation of associated environmental issues; the review of international literature relating to the environmental effects of mosquito and biting midge control practices; and liaison with research scientists Australia-wide.


• Ecological Survey of Bed and Bank Habitats of the Noosa River System; Noosa Council.
  
  This survey identified the suite of habitats and faunal and floral communities of the river system; the ecological significance and sensitivities of each; and the current and potential threats to the ecological integrity of the system. The continued use of chemical agents for mosquito control was identified as a significant risk to intertidal benthic faunal communities and related ecosystems.