Warrnambool City Council has suspended its use of Roundup weedkiller, while Corangamite and Moyne Shire workers are still using the product.
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The latter two council’s are investigating the use of the glyphosate product, which the World Health Organisation found “probably” caused cancer.
In California in August a jury awarded $US289 million ($395 million) to a former gardener who said he got terminal cancer from the weedkiller made by US agro-chemical giant Monsanto.
Warrnambool chief executive officer Bruce Anson said the council was aware of the current discussions around the use of Roundup and had suspended its use.
“Council, along with many other municipalities, will now investigate the use of alternative weed controls and whether Roundup remains a safe option,” Mr Anson said.
“It is important to note that the Australian regulator of agricultural chemicals, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, has stated that: ‘ … the use of glyphosate in Australia does not pose a cancer risk to humans, and that products containing glyphosate are safe to use as per the label instructions’.”
Mr Anson said it was possible the council could resume using Roundup.
“This decision will be based on the best available scientific and medical advice,” he said.
“Council staff are trained in the use of herbicides and the staff who mix and apply herbicides are required to complete the relevant accredited training courses.”
He confirmed in the past Roundup had been used in public places including around Lake Pertobe.
Corangamite Shire Council’s corporate and community services director David Rae said it was aware of the public interest in the use of glyphosate following the decision in the Californian Superior Court.
“Council observes all product safety directions detailing personal protective equipment when handling and using products containing glyphosate,” he said.
“Staff are instructed in the safe use of glyphosate and are required to wear personal protective equipment. The product is used across the shire including roadsides, reserves, parks and gardens.”
Mr Rae said the council ensured the use and application of glyphosate was in accordance with the manufacturer specifications and the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act obligations.
“While glyphosate remains in use, council has introduced the use of an organic product called BioWeed where practical,” he said.
“BioWeed has proven to be effective in weed control in most circumstances. Council continues to observe advice and information provided by WorkSafe Victoria. Until such time as council receives advice to the contrary — or alternate products, such as BioWeed, become available — the use of glyphosate by council will continue, as it effective in the control and eradication of weeds, which remains an ongoing concern for our community, particularly on roadsides.”
Moyne acting CEO Kevin Leddin said the council had completed a full review of use of herbicides across the shire in 2015, in conjunction with appropriate stakeholders.
“This review was in response to the World Health Organisation advising that certain glyphosate products may be carcinogenic,” he said
“Moyne are presently satisfied with the safety of our operating procedures around the use of such chemicals, however we constantly monitor and review our practices in this area.
“We are aware of recent media activity, advice and correspondence including an audit conducted by Agriculture Victoria on the use of herbicides by councils. In response Moyne will review the use of herbicides by council, contractors and volunteers.This review will include an internal working party looking at all herbicides used by Moyne Shire.”