WA budget cuts halt mosquito spraying, raising disease risk
Western Australia's Department of Health cut funding for aerial mosquito treatment. The Peel region went unsprayed during May, June and July.
The Department of Health cut the budget for helicopter spraying earlier this year. The service was unavailable in May, June and July, when mosquitoes breed heavily.
Mosquitoes in the region can carry Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Japanese encephalitis and Murray Valley encephalitis. All are serious, some fatal.
The City of Mandurah council voted on October 28 to ask the state government to restore funding. Officials say aerial treatment is essential.
The region has extensive breeding areas and high disease risk. The department made the cut without talking to local councils or the mosquito management group.
That group runs Western Australia's largest control program. Staff say the missed treatments likely let more mosquitoes reach adulthood.
- May, June, July 2026
- Months unsprayed
- Peel region including City of Mandurah
- Location
- October 28, 2026
- Council vote date
Why it mattersWithout mosquito control during breeding season, disease outbreaks are more likely.
AustraliaResidents in Peel region face higher risk of mosquito-borne disease. The cut affects one of Australia's largest mosquito management programs.
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