Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Bass Coast Faces Epidemic Of A Deadly Lung Disease

Research shows that one in six* Australians 45 or over has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the vast majority are unaware they have it.

By Bass Coast Shire - 21st November 2005 - Back to News

This equates to around 1900 people in Bass Coast who have the deadly lung disease, which must be managed to control debilitating symptoms.

COPD is a group of disorders that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is Australia’s fourth biggest killer, and the third leading cause of disease burden, after heart disease and stroke.

Bass Coast Shire Council and The Australian Lung Foundation are calling upon Australians aged 45 or over who experience shortness of breath to speak with their doctor about a simple lung test.

"Australian Lung Foundation research shows that three quarters of people with COPD don’t know that they have it – that means that they aren’t taking crucial steps to limit its progress," warned Council’s Community Services Manager, Neville Kurth.

"This means that 1900 people in Bass Coast could be living with COPD and don’t know it."

Mr Kurth went on to explain that medical specialists are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of COPD upon women, as they have a greater risk of developing the disease through physical and environmental factors.

"Lung disease is no longer just a problem for men – women need to be aware of the symptoms too," said Mr Kurth.

The Australian Lung Foundation recommends that people 45 or over should see their GP about a simple lung function test if they have any of the following:

• Shortness of breath compared with others their age
• A repetitive cough with phlegm / mucus most days
• And a history of cigarette smoking (now or in the past)

"If you have any of the symptoms of COPD go and see your GP and ask for a breathing test now – it could make all the difference to your quality of life as you get older," said Professor Christine Jenkins, Department of Respiratory Medicine at Sydney’s Concord Hospital.

"Many people may mistake their symptoms as signs of ageing or lack of fitness, hence ignoring the disease until it is much more advanced and everyday activities like going for a short walk become difficult," said Professor Jenkins.

Professor Jenkins explained that COPD can be managed to help people breathe easier and improve quality of life if it is identified early and action is taken to prevent its progress – including stopping smoking.

"The main cause of COPD is smoking. Women may be more likely to suffer from COPD because they have smaller lungs and airways and more sensitive airways, causing them to develop COPD at lower levels of smoking than men," she said.

Mr Kurth pointed out that the Bass Coast Shire had the highest level of smoking caused deaths in Victoria (15.13%) as compared with the rest of Victoria for same period (12.15%).

Recent Australian research has also found that women may be at greater risk than men of COPD from occupational exposure to biological dust, common in many female-dominated industries, such as nursing and allied healthcare, food, textiles, art and cleaning. Other risk factors include indoor and outdoor air pollution, environmental tobacco smoke, chest infections and some genetic predispositions.

People with COPD and their carers can also contact the Australian Lung Foundation to find local support groups, to help them understand and best manage their condition. For further information, help and support please call for free on 1800 654 301 or visit www.lungnet.com.au.

* Research undertaken in three inner south-eastern Melbourne electorates among 1,224 adults aged between 45 and 69 (95% CI, 15.3% - 21.6%).

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
  Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub.