Page 2064 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 June 2022
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Ms Vassarotti: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Expert advice is that plague numbers of mice infestation is more likely to occur in the rural grain growing areas in Central and Western New South Wales (NSW) where they are close to ample food sources. The ACT Government continues to monitor the situation regarding mice in NSW and continues to work closely with our interstate colleagues in various government departments and local government areas in the broader Canberra region.
(2) The ACT Government does not have an estimate of the mice population for the ACT.
(3) There are no known mice populations in the ACT near the industry standard for a plague of 3,000 per hectare (3.3 per square metre). Research or assessments on the environmental impacts of mice on the ACT environment is not considered a priority use of resources at this stage.
(4) Compared to known impacts of other invasive and overabundant species on the ACT environment, mice impacts are not considered a priority and as such no research is planned in the immediate future.
(5) The ACT Government investigates when there is environmental concern and determines the likely cause and recommends mitigation strategies to suit. The Government does not monitor populations for the purpose of reducing population numbers alone.
(6) The Government is not aware of any ACT-led research occurring in regard to the impact of mice on people’s health within the ACT. The passing of diseases from feral mice and other rodents to humans is well known. Information on the health risks posed by rodents can be found on the ACT Health website: https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/population-health/fact-sheets.
(7) The ACT Government has established a cross agency working group to work with our interstate colleagues to assess the risk to the ACT community and monitor any potential abnormal increase in mouse numbers.
(8) The ACT Government is aware of isolated reports of increasing populations of mice in Throsby. These isolated reports are not to the levels considered plague populations. This increase in numbers is likely due to good food supply and seeking shelter in the colder months.
(9) Current programs are conducted as part of “business as usual” and costings are not available.
(10) There are no specific locations identified.
(11) No.
Roads—safety
(Question No 779)
Ms Castley asked the Minister for Transport and City Services, upon notice, on 6 May 2022:
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