Weed management
Council is responsible for managing and maintaining approximately 6.67km2 of public open space, including sporting reserves, nature reserves, linear reserves, footpaths and roadsides across the shire – that’s the equivalent of about 383 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.
We use a range of weed control methods such as manual removal, slashing, mulching, strategic planting and approved herbicides. Some of these herbicides contain glyphosate, a product approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
Glyphosate is used only by trained staff, and only in a minimal, selective, and targeted manner within low-risk environments, in strict accordance with safety protocols.
Glyphosate-based products are not used in sensitive areas such as childcare centres and playgrounds.
We display advisory signs ‘Weed Spraying in Progress’ before the product is applied and signs remain in place until the treated area is dry. Glyphosate becomes inactive when it dries, at which time the treated area is ready to be used.
'No spray' register
A ‘No Spray’ register has been set up for residents who do not want herbicide used to control weeds next to their property.
If a property is listed on the ‘No Spray’ register, we will not apply herbicide to control weeds in the Council managed land within 10 metres adjacent to the property.
FAQs
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide that works on a wide variety of leafy weeds. It doesn’t distinguish one weed from another.
It is commonly used to control weeds in domestic and agricultural situations, plus on local government land such as parks, sportsgrounds, footpaths and roadways.
Why do we use glyphosate?
Glyphosate is an approved broad spectrum herbicide (weed killer) by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, the Australian government’s national regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemical products.
Glyphosate is used as an approved, effective and cost effective method of controlling weeds in parks, gardens, footpaths and other public areas. It is the most widely used herbicide by local councils and other public land managers in Australia.
Which glyphosate product do we use?
In Australia, there are around 500 products containing glyphosate registered for use. These include commonly known weed killers - Roundup, Roundup Biactive, Accord, Rodeo and Touchdown.
Surf Coast Shire uses Roundup and Roundup Biactive.
Where is glyphosate used?
The glyphosate-based product, Roundup is used to eradicate weeds in Council managed land including public open space, footpaths and roadsides.
Roundup Biactive, is considered more environmentally sensitive than the original Roundup formulation and has been developed for use in areas such as around creeks, wetlands, channels and drains.
The product is a water soluble herbicide for non-selective control of annual and perennial weeds, and is considered the most efficient and effective method of controlling weeds.
Council does not use glyphosate-based products in sensitive areas such as childcare centres and playgrounds.
How is glyphosate applied?
Glyphosate is applied by trained staff in accordance with the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Before working with glyphosate staff are provided training in the safe use of the product. The product is applied as a liquid, sprayed directly onto weeds with a hand-held applicator.
How are the public advised when glyphosate is being applied?
Advisory signs ‘Weed Spraying in Progress’ are erected before the product is applied and remain in place until the treated area is dry.
In some instances a coloured dye is added as a visual indicator of which weeds have been treated.
Is it safe to use a park after it has been sprayed?
Glyphosate becomes inactive when it dries, at which time the treated area is ready to be used.
What should you do if you or a pet step on wet grass that has been sprayed?
Although the weed killer is diluted to an approved concentration it is recommended you wash any part of your or your pet’s body that has come into contact with the wet grass.
Are there alternatives to glyphosate?
Yes. Council uses a range of weed control management techniques including manual removal, slashing, mulching, strategic planting and other approved herbicides .
At this time the most efficient, effective and cost competitive method of weed control is approved herbicide spraying.
What is Council’s response to glyphosate concerns?
In response to concerns around the safety of glyphosate, Council is:
- Continuing to use approved herbicides, including glyphosate-based herbicides, in a minimal, selective and targeted manner – in accordance with the label instructions, the product safety data sheet, safe work procedures, personal protective equipment prescriptions and Council’s OHS policies and procedures.
- Using alternative weed control methods in sensitive locations such as childcare centres and playgrounds.
- Maintaining a ‘No Spray’ Register allowing residents to request that weeds not be sprayed adjacent to their property.
- Providing updated training for all staff in the safe handling, mixing and use of herbicides and the correct use of personal protective equipment.
- Ensuring ‘Spraying in Progress’ signs are displayed during herbicide application by staff and contractors.
- Continuing to monitor developments in respect to the use of glyphosate.
How do I sign up for the ‘No Spray’ register?
A ‘No Spray’ register has been set up for residents who do not want herbicide used to control weeds next to their property.
If a property is listed on the ‘No Spray’ register, we will not apply herbicide to control weeds in the Council managed land within 10 metres adjacent to the property.