In addition to the priority weed management program delivered by Council’s Natural Resource Management Unit, Council also treats weeds and maintains lawns and gardens at ovals and parks, and sprays vegetation along footpaths and Council-managed roadsides to protect the condition of those assets and maintain public safety.
A range of weed and vegetation management approaches are utilised to minimise environmental harm and cost by employing the most effective method for specific areas.
Vegetation management methods include:
- Slashing and mowing
- Manual / mechanical removal
- Mulching
- Revegetation and re-seeding of cleared areas
- Cut and paint of woody weeds (direct application of herbicide to a cut stump or stem)
- Targeted herbicide spraying
Herbicide use
Council understands the community’s social and environmental concern and interest in minimising or phasing out the use of chemical herbicides, particularly glyphosate.
Council only uses approved herbicides applied according to label directions in appropriate weather conditions, and staff and contractors are trained and accredited to apply chemicals and follow Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) including the use of personal protective equipment.
Council’s herbicide use is regulated by:
- Code of Practice for Ground Spraying (DPIPWE 2014)
- Guidelines for Safe and Effective Herbicide Use Near Waterways (DPIPWE)
- Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1995 and regulations under this Act
- Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
Glyphosate
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the agency responsible for checking human, animal and environmental safety before registration of agricultural and veterinary products for sale in Australia. APVMA has and continues to evaluate scientific assessments of glyphosate and other chemical herbicides. APVMA’s position is “Glyphosate is registered for use in Australia, and APVMA approved products containing glyphosate can continue to be used safely according to label directions”.
Accordingly, Council uses the following approved glyphosate products according to their label instructions:
- Weedmaster Duo® (Glyphosate) is an aquatic and environmentally friendlier formulation of Glyphosate used by Council on all non-road areas.
- Cropmaster 450 (Glyphosate) is used for roadside spraying.
Council has and continues to assess the potential of non-glyphosate-based alternative weed management strategies including different chemical herbicides, natural herbicides and steam. A recent study: Comparative analyses of glyphosate alternative weed management strategies on plant coverage, soil and soil biota (deakin.edu.au) provides more information for on the viability of current alternatives.
Council will continue the use of approved herbicides to manage weeds within the municipal area until more efficient and cost effective non-chemical solutions are available.
Strategies to minimise the use of chemical herbicides are employed where possible, and Council will continue actively monitoring herbicide developments and trialling new alternative weed treatment options.
If you live on a rural property and would like to have your Council-managed omitted from the roadside spraying program, you can apply to be included on the no spray register