Herbicide use in public places in the Mackenzie District.
We have decided to release the information you have requested; - please see our answers below, in blue, from the Public Facilities, Parks and Places team.
Request
I am writing to request information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) in relation to the use of herbicides in public spaces within your jurisdiction.
I am seeking to better understand how herbicide use is managed locally, including the products used, the decision-making processes involved, and any safeguards in place for public areas.
Specifically, I would appreciate information on the following:
1. Herbicide Use and Application
What herbicide or weed control products are currently used in public spaces (e.g. parks, playgrounds, berms, footpaths, and roadside areas)?
Glyphosate and Grazon.
Where are these products typically applied?
Currently Council uses the above chemicals to control weeds around trees, parks boundary lines, and low maintenance garden areas.
How frequently are these areas treated?
During the growing season typically, every 6 weeks however it does depend on the contract maintenance specification.
2. Policies and Guidelines
What policies, guidelines, or operational frameworks govern herbicide use in public spaces?
Council has a contractor that is engaged for it's Open Spaces & Parks which is CORDE. The CORDE Team follows its SOPS (Standard Operating Procedures) and recommended SDS (Safety Data Sheets) sheets. All CORDE staff are trained/qualified and competent.
Are there specific considerations or restrictions for areas such as playgrounds, schools, or other high-use public spaces?
Yes. CORDE only spray in these areas when they are not in use by the public.
3. Notification and Public Awareness
How are residents informed when herbicide spraying is planned (if at all)?
CORDE put out spraying in progress signs or put it on social media if the area that is being sprayed is a high public usage area.
Are there standard notification procedures or requirements in place?
As above. And following CORDE's SOPs.
4. Decision-Making and Alternatives
What factors are considered when deciding to use herbicides in public areas?
Weather plays a massive part in decision making and the frequency of use of the park or public space is a factor as well.
Are alternative (non-chemical) methods currently being trialled or considered?
Right at this moment, No. However previously, Yes. See next question. Agrichemical is still the most cost-effective way to control weeds for the communities Council provides a service for.
If so, please provide details.
Council has trialled a steam and gas but found under health and safety regulations using these methods added more risk to staff & cost to Council. Council also trialled ECO -friendly chemicals but the cost to use these and the frequency required to get the desired outcome was found not to be cost effective.
5. Review and Safety Considerations
What sources of scientific or regulatory guidance does the council rely on when assessing the safety of herbicide use in public spaces?
Industry feedback
Has the council undertaken any internal or independent review of herbicide use or safety in recent years? If so, please provide details of those reviews.
Council's current operating model is to contract out its Parks & Open Spaces maintenance.
If no recent review has been undertaken, when was the current approach last formally reviewed?
When tendered it's Parks & Open Spaces Contract last year and awarded the contract to CORDE