What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a chemical compound being the active ingredient found in many broad-spectrum non-selective post-emergent herbicide products. It is primarily used to control weeds and plants.
Glyphosate is generally prepared as a salt-based compound, mixed with other chemical components, to formulate herbicide products for use in commercial and non-commercial situations.
People would be most familiar with the proprietary herbicide ‘Roundup’ which contains Glyphosate as the active ingredient, however there are numerous brands in circulation.
Is Glyphosate safe?
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Agency (APVMA) continues to advise that the use of products containing Glyphosate are safe to use, in accordance with label instructions. The City conducts its operations in excess of the requirements, imposed by the national and state regulatory authorities, and the product label.
Where does the City use Glyphosate products?
The City uses Glyphosate based herbicides across several maintenance programs including:
- Environmental conservation areas;
- Parks and Reserves;
- Streetscapes, including kerbs, median strips and footpaths;
- Drainage sumps;
- Right of Ways;
- Building surrounds.
Why does the City use Glyphosate products?
The City has many important reasons why it needs to undertake weed and plant control. Some of these reasons include:
- Ensuring kerbs, paths and other infrastructure are not obscured and are free of trip hazards;
- Protecting road infrastructure from the damage that excessive weed growth can cause;
- Reducing potential for road drainage issues and subsequent flooding;
- Reduction of fire loading in bushland conservation areas, when weeds die off;
- Effective management of environmental weeds to support biodiversity values in environmental conservation areas;
- Generally presenting amenity to an appropriate standard and maintaining appealing public places; and
Glyphosate products are used as they provide the City the most economic, value for money, and effective means to control a wide range of weeds and plants.
How often does the City use Glyphosate products and how much?
The City schedules footpath and road reserve spraying around May and November each year (weather dependent).
There is also handheld spot spraying carried out throughout the year, weather dependent.
Why doesn't the City use steam or other mechanical methods?
The costs and effectiveness of steam and mechanical methods appear to provide poor value money, when compared to chemicals such as Glyphosate. Steam is required at least three (3) times a year, with recommendations of between six (6) to eight (8) sprays per year, compared to Glyphosate two (2) times a year. A recent cost comparison showed steam four (4) times the price per application, compared to Glyphosate. Mechanical removal would involve considerable labour costs and at least three (3) treatments per year.
Are glyphosate products banned for use in Australia?
No
What precautions should I take from the City's use of Glyphosate products?
- The City installs signage in application areas which allows members of the public to avoid the area, should they wish to do so.
- Members of the public should avoid skin or respiratory contact.
- It is advised to avoid walking pets on areas whilst signage is out, and before chemicals are dry.
Can I request that areas adjacent to my house are not treated with the use of Glyphosate products?
Glyphosate is applied in accordance with the product label, as is required by State and Federal legislation.
Treatment will not be carried out on verges adjacent to properties where residents have registered to be included on the City's Do Not Spray register. Forms are available on the City’s website for exemption registration purposes. (Please see above)
The exemptions do not extend to the spraying of parkland and public open spaces; however the City can consider these on a case-by-case basis.
Does the City provide notification before using Glyphosate products?
The City advises the public to any widespread herbicide applications, with a minimum 14-day notification period. This allows members of the public to register for the above-mentioned Do Not Spray register.
General handheld applications, via spot spraying are not advertised, but signage will be displayed in the application areas.
Who regulates the use of Glyphosate?
Glyphosate, in Western Australia, is regulated by both Commonwealth and State authorities.
- The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulate the chemical up to the point of sale.
- The WA Department of Health regulates the use, handling, and application of the chemical.
Where can I find reliable information about the safety of Glyphosate products?
Can residents access council spraying records (FOI)?
Residents can request spray records, under a Freedom of Information request.
City residents and/or property owners wishing to exclude the verge immediately adjacent to their property/residence from Glyphosate weed control can apply to be added to the City’s Exemption list using the form below.
By completing this application, chemical weed control within the road reserve (verge and kerbline) adjacent to the registered property will not be undertaken by the City. The property owner/occupier agrees to maintain the verge adjacent to the registered property in accordance with the City’s Street Verge Guidelines and Property Local Law; eg. keep the permissible verge treatment in a good and tidy condition.
Requests to be removed from the Pesticide Use Exclusion Register must be made to the City in writing.