Rockhampton rail sites to be sprayed in response to Zika virus

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe today confirmed he has instructed Queensland Rail to take every precaution and work with Queensland Health in Rockhampton following the positive report of the Zika virus at the Globe Hotel.

“While no risk to the nearby train station or rail yard has been identified, the Queensland Government is taking every safeguard to ensure the health and safety of the Rockhampton community,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“As a precaution, I have instructed Queensland Rail to inspect and spray approximately two kilometres of the Rockhampton rail yard and corridor, from Stanley Street to Port Curtis Road, from today.

“An experienced pest control contractor will attend the site from approximately 3.00pm today to undertake a thorough site inspection and identify any recommendations for Queensland Rail to follow.”

Mr Hinchliffe said spraying at Rockhampton station, the yard and rail corridor will then occur over the next one or two nights.

State Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne attended the site today to inspect the area and reassure residents of the measures being taken.

“As well as the rail yard and corridor area, there are three teams of three officers in each team working in the Depot Hill area within a 200 metre radius of the target zones,” Mr Byrne said.

“As of late yesterday afternoon these teams had visited 29 homes, spraying 29 outdoor areas and 24 internal sprays.

“We are committed to ensuring we have done all we can to safeguard the area as a precaution and to date the community has been very supportive of this approach.”

Media Contact: Jessica Hill 0475 950 772 (Hinchliffe) | Michelle Connolly (Byrne) 0478 325 738