This paper examines the current health policy response to the management of vector-borne disease (VBD), specifically Ross River (RR) virus, in subtropical coastal Australia. It demonstrates the multi-dimensional nature of the VBD problem and considers the value of more sustainable policy responses. The paper provides an integrated exploration of the incidence of RR virus in the context of socio-biophysical interactions and change, climate variability, and possible enhanced threat due to climate change. The study focuses on two subtropical coastal case study regions in Australia. Collectively, the existing and emerging socio-biophysical interactions in these regions raise questions as to the future risks and management of RR virus, while climate change adds a significant further dimension. The paper demonstrates the need for the incorporation of environmental planning elements, particularly attention to strategic assessment and planning, into the traditional suite of health policy responses given the multi-dimensional nature of the problem and evident socio-biophysical environmental change. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Earth Sciences
Research Group:	Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Research Field:	Palaeoclimatology
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Climate and Climate Change
Objective Field:	Social Impacts of Climate Change and Variability
UTAS Author:	Lyth, A (Dr Anna Lyth)
UTAS Author:	Holbrook, NJ (Professor Neil Holbrook)
ID Code:	52614
Year Published:	2005
Deposited By:	Geography and Environmental Studies
Deposited On:	2008-08-01
Last Modified:	2012-11-01
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