WEED KILLER FEARS
CANCER WORRY: Council still using divisive herbicide
THE City of Greater Geelong is continuing to use a chemical weed killer amid widespread concerns it may be linked to cancer among exposed workers.
The council confirmed it was using glyphosate-based herbicides despite a State Government review into the safety of the products following three US court rulings against the maker of herbicide Roundup relating to cancer cases.
Surf Coast Shire has almost completely phased out using glyphosates due to safety concerns and environmental impacts, and the Borough of Queenscliffe does not use them at all.
THE City of Greater Geelong is continuing to use a chemical weed killer amid widespread concerns it may be linked to cancer among exposed workers.
The council confirmed it was using glyphosate-based herbicides despite a State Government review into the safety of the products following three landmark US court rulings against the maker of herbicide Roundup relating to cancer cases.
The Surf Coast Shire has almost completely phased out using glyphosates due to safety concerns and environmental impacts, and the Borough of Queenscliffe does not use them at all.
City of Greater Geelong’s continued use of the chemicals comes despite the union for council workers urging the council to ditch the use of glyphosate products in late 2018.
“For many years now it has been suspected that products like Roundup, which contain glyphosate, cause serious illness, including cancer,” Australian Services Union branch secretary Lisa Darmanin wrote to Geelong council.
“The ASU is deeply concerned for members who have been exposed, some for many years, to products containing glyphosate.
“It seems beyond dispute that products like Roundup that contain glyphosate are dangerous to the health of workers who are exposed to it.”
Geelong ASU spokesman Mark Brady said the union’s position on the chemical had not changed since the letter was sent to council.
“We want it gone,” Mr Brady said. “No one thought asbestos was dangerous and look what happened.”
City of Greater Geelong city services director Guy WilsonBrowne this week confirmed the council continued to use the chemicals, but was trying to minimise chemical spraying in the community.
“The City is closely monitoring government and authority communications for any change in recommendations regarding the use of glyphosate,” Mr Wilson-Browne said.
“The current use of chemical weed sprays by City of Greater Geelong employees adheres to all directions contained in both the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Safe Operating Procedures.
“While current Australian standards state that glyphosate can continue to be used safely as per label instructions, the city actively works to minimise the use of chemical spray in the community.”
Mr Wilson-Browne said Geelong council workers followed a checklist of controls when using glyphosate for weed control, including the use of personal protective equipment, avoiding spraying during windy conditions and minimising “spray drift”.
Meanwhile, the Surf Coast Shire confirmed it had almost completely phased out the use of glyphosates, due to safety concerns and environmental impacts.
“Surf Coast Shire Council phased out use of glyphosatebased herbicides by staff more than 12 months ago,” Surf Coast Shire general manager culture and community Chris Pike said.
“This was part of an operational decision to reduce the overall herbicide usage within council-managed land,” Mr Pike said.
“Use by council contractors is minimal and we are working with them to identify and use alternative herbicides, and phase out glyphosate use entirely.
“We note the recent safety concerns around glyphosates, and we are mindful of the impact that our practices can have on the environment.”
The Borough of Queenscliff’s weed control supplier Contact Organics also does not use glyphosate, spokesman Connor Parker said.
THE ASU IS DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, SOME FOR MANY YEARS, TO PRODUCTS CONTAINING GLYPHOSATE. AUSTRALIAN SERVICES UNION BRANCH SECRETARY LISA DARMANIN