Capel targets stable flies

A new three-year research project will help combat the problem of stable flies in Capel if funding is approved.

The Department of Agriculture and Food will apply for about $200,000 per year from Horticulture Innovation Australia plus a further $15,000 a year from the Capel Shire Council.

The application for funding will be submitted in about three weeks, with the project expected to start in July or August this year.

It comes after a sub-committee of Capel residents was formed in response to numerous complaints about the problem of stable flies, which are known to bite horses and cattle to obtain blood.

The funding will be put toward testing new approaches at places like Capel Farms in order to find a practical solution to the problem.

Capel shire health services manager Colin Dent said the council's contribution to the project was "in the budget mix" and would go through the normal process.

"Research in Capel is very important for a local result and if proven to work, then we can encourage use outside of Capel Farms," he said.

Mr Dent said a public meeting for residents last week helped educate them on the problem.

"Whilst some people are still fired up, the consensus seems to be that there was some action happening," he said.

University of WA professor and consultant to the department, David Cook, addressed residents and said they appeared to support the project.

"This research is absolutely critical to Capel combating their stable fly problem," he said.

"The manager of Capel Farms has been totally cooperative and asking what else he can do to help the situation. He is well aware that he is producing stable flies and is allowing us to do whatever testing and trials we need."

Mr Cook said the farm had already started to adopt approaches such as shortening its harvest period and introducing high-speed mulching of plants.

Capel Land Care Development Council secretary Bronwyn Mutton was among the residents who had asked the council to take action.

"We are pleased the shire and agriculture department are working together to attempt to eradicate the problem," she said.

LATEST NEWS

Building Industry Celebrates Masters of the Trade

Historic Bunbury Plaza Refit in Story

Diners Leave Without Paying Hefty Bill

Worsley Considers Coal Imports For Collie Plant

Bunbury School Ball Galleries

Click here to go mobile with iNFOGO - local everywhere