Managing weeds: Caring for our people and places

Playground weed mangement 3.jpeg

We know our community cares deeply about the places we all share. 

We've listened to recent feedback about weed management around playgrounds and made changes in response.

Maintaining open spaces

We are responsible for managing some 6.67 square kilometres of public open space across the shire, including sporting reserves, nature reserves, linear reserves, footpaths and roadsides. That’s the equivalent of around 383 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

Weed management is an important part of maintaining these spaces, helping protect biodiversity, keep areas safe and accessible, and support the ongoing health of our environment.

A mix of weed control methods

We use a combination of weed control methods, with the approach at each location determined by factors such as the type of weed, the size and location of the infestation, access, cost and effectiveness.

Mechanical methods include mowing, brush cutting and hand weeding. In some situations, herbicides are also required, including to:

  • Prevent regrowth of large woody weeds and difficult-to-control plants such as English Ivy, where targeted treatment of cut stumps is needed.
  • Control weeds that are hazardous to remove by hand, such as African Boxthorn, which has large thorns.
  • Treat areas where steep slopes, waterlogging or the size of an infestation make mechanical or manual removal impractical.

Where appropriate, we continue to use alternative weed control methods.

Safe and targeted herbicide use

Any herbicide applications are undertaken by trained Council staff and contractors who have the required qualifications and experience.

We use a range of herbicides registered for use in public open spaces and conservation areas, including streamside reserves. Applications are carefully planned, taking into account weather conditions, timing, dilution rates and public safety measures, including advisory signage.

Some herbicides used by Council contain glyphosate, a product approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Glyphosate is used only by trained operators and applied in a minimal, selective and targeted way, in line with safety requirements.

Protecting playgrounds and informing the community

We have reviewed our processes to make sure we continue to manage weeds effectively while prioritising the safety of our community, protecting our environment and exploring opportunities to use alternative approaches where possible.

Following this review, we have introduced a number of improvements, including:

  • A 10-metre ‘no spray’ zone around all playgrounds (while we haven’t previously used glyphosate-based products within playgrounds, we have now extended this buffer zone to provide additional protection around these areas).
  • Updated weed spraying signage that includes additional information, such as the time of spraying, which remains in place for the duration of the drying period. Glyphosate becomes inactive once it dries, and the treated area can then be safely accessed.
  • Continued use of alternative weed control methods where appropriate.

‘No Spray’ register

Residents who do not want herbicide used to control weeds on Council-managed land next to their property can join our ‘No Spray’ register.

Properties listed on the register will have a 10-metre buffer zone adjacent to their property where Council will not apply herbicide for weed control.

For more information or to join the register, go to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/weedmanagement.

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