24 October 2019
Moreland Council has committed to phasing out glyphosate products, commonly used for weed management, by August 2021.
Council’s previous use of Glyphosate products – historically used in-line with the Victorian State Government’s safety guidelines – will be replaced by more sustainable weed management methods such as weed steaming and other chemical-free solutions.
Council’s Director City Infrastructure, Greg Gale said that chemical-free weed management will play an important role in Council’s vision for a sustainable future.
“Weed management in Moreland is critical for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the protection and encouragement of indigenous flora and fauna,” Gale said.
“We have undertaken trials of environmentally sustainable alternatives and know the transition will not be easy, and we continue to trial these more sustainable products, so along with steaming and mechanical methods we are confident that glyphosate can successfully be phased out by August 2021.
“In 2016, Council sought community feedback prior to adopting its Pest and Weed Management Policy (2016-2026), and recognised community’s preference for a reduction in chemical-free weed management.”
Council voted at the August 14 meeting to take a phased approach to stopping the use of Glyphosate products, to spread the impact on budget over time and allow further testing and monitoring of costs of alternate products and methods.
Further community consultation will also inform service standards and Council will carefully consider current contracts relating to weed management.
