NEWS DESK
Ulcer risks, mosquitoes on rise Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au VICTORIA’S mosquito plague has raised fears that the increased risk of mosquito-born diseases such as the flesh-eating Buruli ulcer - already prevalent on the Mornington Peninsula - could soar. But concerns are falling on deaf ears according to Rye resident Pete Connell, 64, who was infected by the Mycobacterium ulcerans bacteria last year. Mr Connell accuses health authorities and government officials of “passing the buck”. Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula are “hot spots” for the Buruli ulcer, a notifiable illness that worldwide is the third most common bacterial disease after tuberculosis and leprosy (“Flesh-eating ulcers on rise”, The Times 17/10/16). Mr Connell has written to more than seven MPs and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in an attempt to have the national health risk upgraded. He believes the coming months pose a serious risk to residents and holidaymakers coming to the peninsula. “Why in 2016 can a hideous, reportable disease not be on any local, state or federal health priority list?” he asked. “Why is no government prepared to take any responsibility? “We the community elect and place our trust in all the forms of government that should be protecting us from this insidious disease.“ Mr Connell said health authorities should be sending health warnings directly to schools and community groups, including aged-care facilities. Data from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services showed there were 42 cases of Buruli ulcer reported on the Mornington Peninsula by mid-October this year, up from 33 the same period last year. In Frankston, there
were 12 cases, up from seven last year. The health department has just issued a warning to people to take precautions against insect bites, after floods and heavy rains had caused an increase in mosquito numbers. Recent rains and warm weather had provided perfect breeding conditions for the insects, and as a result, the department is bringing forward insect “surveillance and control programs”. People are being warned to protect themselves from bites because of mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, which cause joint inflammation, pain and rashes. However, despite recognition of an increase in cases on the peninsula and the “changing pattern in geographical distribution of disease”, there are no plans to increase the seriousness of the Buruli ulcer bacteria. He said the department was working “with stakeholders” across Victoria to identify what controls could be put in place. Mornington Peninsula Shire environment protection manager David Dobroszczyk said council will be monitoring mosquito hotspots throughout the peninsula. He said there was advice on how people could protect themselves from mosquito bites on the shire’s website. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause large ulcers that require antibiotics and leave disfiguring scars. A study published in 2012 by Barwon Health, which analysed 180 cases of Bairnsdale/Buruli ulcer managed at Barwon Health from 1998 to 2011, found two cases were so severe it had caused bone infection. Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley told Mr Connell, via Flinders Liberal MP and Science Minister Greg Hunt, that the government had spent about $800,000 on research into the bacteria in recent years. Mr Connell said he had not had a reply from the Prime Minister.
Sore spots: Pete Connell fears for peninsula with the increase of flesh-eating ulcers. Picture: Yanni
Axing of tree ‘absolute disgrace’ Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au THE axing of one of the Mornington Peninsula’s oldest indigenous trees has been labelled “an absolute disgrace” by heritage and flora and fauna experts. Ecologist Malcolm Legg said he was appalled that a 15-metre gum from a 31-unit development site in Bayview Av, Rosebud, had been cut down, even after it was suggested by the National Trust that it be protected as a “tree of significance”. Mr Legg said the peninsula, once renowned for its strict controls on vegetation removal, was losing much of its significant greenery as develop-
ers ripped out trees and native bush for multi-unit developments. “It’s an absolute disgrace that this magnificent tree has been cut down.” A recent shire report on vegetation removal states that the peninsula had lost more than 90 per cent of its original native vegetation. Peninsula resident and secretary of the Australian Wildlife Protection Council, Craig Thomson, said the site had a vegetation protection overlay on it, but when he queried the council, a shire officer told him it was not her responsibility, but “that of the developer” to ensure legal removal of vegetation once planning permits had been issued. “This was a perfect opportunity for the council to follow up on tree remov-
al, but they don’t seem to see it as their responsibility,” he said. Mr Legg said he had admired the “magnificent” metre-wide tree since moving to the peninsula 14 years ago, and had contacted the National Trust to have it listed for protection. “It is probably at least 500 years old and one of the peninsula’s most significant trees and certainly one of the oldest,” he said. “The tree was just on the edge of the development block, near the footpath, and certainly did not have to be removed.” National Trust Mornington Peninsula branch acting chair Judy Walsh said she had inspected the tree two years ago and recommended to the council that it be included on a register to pro-
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tect the shire’s important trees. She said she was “deeply saddened” to hear it had been cut down. “It’s happening all over the peninsula, trees are being cut down left, right and centre,” she said. Despite objections and a 20-signature petition presented to council on 14 June, council officers recommended support for the proposal at VCAT because of “demand for housing” on the peninsula, but with the provision that only 13 trees be removed. Councillors disagreed and decided to advise VCAT that “had council had the opportunity, it would have refused the application” due to inconsistency with the Mornington Peninsula Planning Statement, vegetation removal and
over development”. The development application was approved by VCAT in August. A report submitted during the site’s development application noted that an arborist had listed 30 trees on the site for protection, but that others were “either dead, of low significance and retention value”, non-native to Victoria or the area, an environmental weed or in poor condition. However, it is not clear which trees were considered as appropriate for protecting, and an inspection of the site by The News last week revealed only about nine eucalypts were left on the site. The News was unable to contact the developers and Mornington Peninsula Shire did not respond by deadline.
2415 Point Nepean Road, Rye Beach www.ryehotel.com.au | 5985 2277 Southern Peninsula News 1 November 2016
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