SOUTH-WEST councils and gardeners are continuing to use herbicides containing glyphosate while the state government reviews the chemical amid health concerns.
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A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokeswoman said the department was reviewing its use of glysophates, the active component in Roundup, as "a matter of precaution".
The review follows three landmark cases in the US that found Roundup had caused cancer in users while agribusiness giant Monsanto rejected the product was a carcinogen.
Warrnambool City Council briefly suspended using Roundup last year, but use in council-managed open space and road corridors resumed in October based on advice from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
The authority advises that approved products containing glyphosate can be used safely according to label directions, advice that WorkSafe also supports.
Moyne Shire Council chief executive Bill Millard said the council last year curtailed its herbicides from 13 to three.
"These three herbicides do contain glyphosate, however each product has been chosen for specific applications and to minimise effects on waterways and the environment."
He said the council would compare its practices with the DELWP review.
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Corangamite Shire works and services director Brooke Love said the council used a combination of Roundup and an organic product called BioWeed.
"We do not use glyphosate product in urban areas but it is still used around the outer areas of towns and in rural areas where there is little to no foot traffic," Ms Love said.
Warrnambool Golf Club course superintendent David Warnaar said the club's gardeners used the product every second month and followed precautions including wearing breathing apparatus, suits and gloves.
"We have investigated other products, but the cost is prohibitive," Mr Warnaar said.
"When we do spray it it is generally out of a single nozzle. We don't spray it on windy days so others aren't affected."
He said he would keep an eye on the review but believed the industry would lead any transition away from glyphosate products.
"The sales reps who come to our facility will be presenting different products and alternatives."
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