The City of Cockburn's response to Yahoo News Australia on 19 October about glyphosate use at C.Y. O'Connor Beach path in North Coogee
Question: Could the City address concerns about toxicity associated with glyphosate use, which facts show is generally safe?
Answer: The City ensures the safe use of herbicides is an integral part of weed management practices undertaken in parks, streetscapes, natural areas and on roads, footpaths and median strips for staff and residents. The City minimises chemical use where possible.
Glyphosate has been approved for use by the Federal Department of Health’s Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Glyphosate with its current constituents is considered safe, subject to compliance with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for application, storage and cartage.
The APVMA concluded that glyphosate does not pose a cancer risk to humans and that products containing glyphosate are safe to use as per the label instructions. It has not made any change to this stance since the release of the assessment outcomes on 23 March 2017.
APVMA undertook a detailed assessment of the human health risks associated with glyphosates in late 2016, following concerns raised by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
For more information on APVMA's stance visit their
website.
The City does not apply herbicide to residential verges adjacent to private property. Residents can register on the City’s ‘Do Not Spray Register’ if they do not want a kerb or footpath near their property treated.
The City uses low pressure spray units where possible. Signage is installed as per the Department of Health Guidelines when chemicals are being applied.
All City officers are required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and are restricted to spraying on days when conditions are favourable; conditions relate to wind direction, wind speed and weather.
The City uses organic herbicide products in some locations including in aquatic, coastal and wetland areas because they have been approved for use in these environments by the APVMA.