What Cairns, Port Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast councils said about Roundup use
Glyphosate weedkiller has come under heavy scrutiny amid increased awareness of exposure to harmful chemicals and a pending lawsuit against makers of Roundup. See what five FNQ councils said about glyphosate usage.
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Council use of glyphosate-based weedkiller has come under increased scrutiny amid rising awareness of exposure to harmful chemicals and a pending lawsuit against makers of Roundup.
As far back as 2015 the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer identified glyphosate, the world’s most commonly used herbicide, as a probable human carcinogen.
And last week Maurice Blackburn kicked off a class action against manufacturers of Roundup, in the Federal Court. The case is expected to run for several weeks.
The action is being run on behalf of about 800 class members against Monsanto “on behalf of all people who have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma due to using or being exposed to Roundup or Monsanto-branded herbicide products that contained glyphosate (Roundup products) within Australia’’, the law firm said.
Although council workers have not walked off the job in protest against the use of the controversial weedkiller like 500 Blacktown Council staff did in 2019, Douglas Shire Council did look to ban the use of Roundup in 2019 and Cook Shire Council has also moved to phase out its use.
Local councils throughout Australia are banning the use of glyphosate, phasing it out or conducting reviews into its use due to safety concerns.
The Cairns Post contacted five local governments and asked if they still used Roundup, would council look at alternatives to glyphosate-based weedkiller and how many complaints have been made to council about Roundup use in the past 12 months.
This is what they said.
CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
Director of Lifestyle and Community Destry Puia said:
Council is trialling naturally occurring broad-spectrum herbicide to manage and prevent glyphosate resistance.
When using products containing glyphosate council staff and contractors adhere to all legislative requirements regarding safety, application and management.
Staff and contractors are also required by legislation to compile detailed spray records for each application event, including chemical rates, location, wind/weather and other application factors.
Mowing or other mechanical methods are used where it is effective, however herbicides are manually applied in areas, such as traffic islands and concrete edging, where mechanical means are not possible due to traffic, access is difficult, or the process is inefficient.
Council has moved away from using chemicals on slopes where it now uses remote-controlled mowers.
Additionally, we have moved away from chemically edging paths and kerb where we can, to using mechanical edging.
The Australian regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), has glyphosate registered for use in Australia.
At this stage, glyphosate-based products continue to provide efficient and effective weed control.
Council actively responds to inquiries regarding its herbicide program as an opportunity to share information on the stringent controls and practices in place.
In 2023, council has received no recorded complaints from the public regarding the use of glyphosate.
MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL
Council implements a range of weed management methods, including the use of glyphosate, to
control weeds in and around roadsides, parks, buildings and esplanades.
“These measures include cultivation, mechanical, biological, steam, fire and chemical control. The most appropriate control measure for a weed management issue is determined by efficiency, effectiveness, cost, safety and environmental considerations,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“With regards to herbicides, council uses very little glyphosate in preference to selective sprays that affect the target species.
“When glyphosate has been identified as the most appropriate control method, council ensures that the chemical is mixed and applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations as is required by Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
“Council rigorously employs sound spraying practices by ensuring officers are appropriately trained, jets on spray units are calibrated and spray drift is minimised.
“The use of products containing glyphosate is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) which can be used safely provided product label directions are adhered to.
“While the Australian national regulator for agricultural chemicals remains satisfied with the product’s safety for use, and other viable options do not exist, Council will continue to incorporate the use of glyphosate-based herbicides within its weed control program.
“Council is aware of emerging alternative selective herbicide options and integrated control
techniques that are being developed to reduce reliance on glyphosate for weed management, and constantly monitors developments in this field.
“While these developments show promise, the products have limited applications and do not assist council to deliver a service as efficient as that achieved by using glyphosate-based herbicides.
“While the use of this product is approved by the national regulator, has the recommendation of the Australian and Queensland governments, and lacks a rival product offering comparable results, council will continue to deliver its current weed management regime.”
DOUGLAS SHIRE COUNCIL
The use of glyphosate to control weeds and vegetation within (parks and reserves) has been
substantially reduced in recent years.
Usage is in line with strict internal procedures and advice given by the regulator.
The Douglas Shire Council is aware of international decisions concerning glyphosate.
Concerns have been raised about human exposure to the common herbicide glyphosate.
In response to these concerns officers developed a Glyphosate Reduction Strategy to guide
grounds management practices and resource planning into the future.
A review of the strategy was conducted in 2021, thus providing an opportunity for Officers to review current open space procedures and best practice methodology in maintaining assets; including a review of the level of service, standard of service and consideration of future budget /resourcing requirements.
The Glyphosate Reduction Strategy, 2021, provides direction for operational staff responsible
for grounds maintenance tasks in Council managed parks and urban areas and includes
advocacy and education opportunities with key stakeholders.
glyphosate is a hazardous chemical that poses health risks if safety precautions
are not taken. As with all hazardous chemicals, particularly those which may cause cancer,
worker exposure must be minimised, including skin contact, breathing in vapour and mists,
and accidental ingestion through poor hand hygiene.
In March 2021 council officers conducted a review of the progress / outcomes since the
implementation of the Glyphosate Reduction Strategy in January 2020.
The review identified the following key operational issues:
* Reduction in service standards
* Lost productivity – Organic products efficacy
* Public backlash from alternative organic products
* Increased use of selective herbicide
* Increased manual handling injuries to staff
* Increased cost to Douglas Shire Council
TABLELANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL
Yes – where it is the most appropriate and effective solution for particular weeds (council does use glyphosate-based products.)
All herbicides used by Tablelands Regional Council are approved by the federal regulator, registered in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and are considered safe when used as directed following label instructions.
Herbicides are applied in accordance with manufacturer specifications — also there are set safety processes we use when working with herbicides that include:
* Application during suitable weather conditions only (to reduce spray drift, run off and ensure effectiveness of the product).
* Application at appropriate times to eliminate any exposure to the public.
* Application by qualified and trained staff.
* Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as per product Safety Data Sheet.
* Ensuring personal hygiene practices are adhered to (this includes washing/cleaning PPE and uniform after using herbicides).
We use herbicides that are proven to be effective and provide value for money. At the same time, we also trial new products and methodologies — some that have been (or are still being) trialled include:
* Steam weeding.
* Slasher Organic Weedkiller.
* Slasher and Lynx mix — Lynx is a pre-emergent and extends periods between applications.
CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL
Currently the Cassowary Coast Regional Council incorporates herbicide use into our
weed management program as well as actively trailing alternative methods.
Our road asset maintenance team has a strong approach to weed management in order to maintain safety and lines of sight along our roads and enable efficient drainage.
As a council, we need to ensure a clear vision for motorists and ensure drainage lines are clean to prevent flooding to achieve this council uses herbicides in conjunction with slashing and mechanical clearing.
Council works closely with Wet Tropics Management Authority to ensure we are
following the correct guidelines and using herbicides in an effective way to protect rainforest
areas.
We operate under a Wet Tropics Maintenance permit and follow all guidelines
administered from them.
CCRC follows strict guidelines as to how and where herbicides can be used.
All staff who assist with the management of weeds, are fully trained ensuring they wear the correct PPE and follow the correct procedures (as per the label instructions) when using.
We also minimise usage in high populated areas including parks, foreshores, playgrounds and CBD areas.
CCRC aims for minimal use of glyphosate-based herbicides and are working to find new
effective ways of weed management and is open to trialling new processes.
Council will continue to follow all advice and guidelines given about glyphosate-based herbicides WTMA and the World Health Organisation.
Council is also developing an open space strategy which will inform glyphosate use in public space.
Originally published as What Cairns, Port Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast councils said about Roundup use
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