City of Greater Geelong urged to phase out use of glyphosate-containing weed killers

The City of Greater Geelong is being urged to phase out a weed killer by the end of the year amid fears it may be linked to cancer in those ­exposed to it.

The City of Greater Geelong is being urged to phase out a weed killer by the end of the year amid fears it may be linked to cancer in those ­exposed to it.

More than 100 residents have petitioned the council to ditch the use of the glyphosate-based herbicide amid a State Government review into the safety of the products.

This year it confirmed its continued use of the chemicals, despite US court rulings against the maker of herbicide Roundup relating to cancer cases, and against the wishes of the union for council workers.

Council this month ­received a petition signed by 130 residents calling on it to:

REVISE its policy on the spraying of Roundup (glyphosate) and other chemical weed killers in all public places;

REVIEW its duty of care to prevent any adverse impacts of synthetic chemical use on workers and residents;

PHASE out the use of Roundup by the end of the year, “considering the evidence of its toxicity to workers, public health and the environment”; and,

CONDUCT trials of non-chemical weed management systems, particularly in areas where children and pets are exposed.

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City of Greater Geelong acting director city services Rod Thomas said glyphosate weed killers allowed councils to tackle invasive weeds, and were considered safe.

“Current Australian standards state that glyphosate can be used safely,” Mr Thomas said.

“The latest advice from Australian Government ­agency Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority states that glyphosate can be used by councils, provided the products are registered with the APVMA and used according to the label ­instructions.

“The city seeks to minimise our use wherever possible and has strict controls over where and when it can be used. We regularly review our procedures and precautions for all chemicals, with the health and safety of our employees and the wider community our top priority.

“The city is supportive of the Victorian Government’s review into how glyphosate products are used for its public land management.”

Surf Coast Shire Council has almost phased out glyphosates due to safety concerns and environmental impacts, and the Borough of Queens­cliffe does not use them.

“Surf Coast Shire Council phased out use of glyphosate-based herbicides by staff more than 12 months ago,” Surf Coast Shire general manager culture and community Chris Pike said earlier this year.

“We note the recent safety concerns around glyphosates, and we are mindful of the ­impact that our practices can have on the environment.”

Originally published as City of Greater Geelong urged to phase out use of glyphosate-containing weed killers