Toxic free petition launches

Calls for no pesticides in gardens

‘‘ AS A REGION WITH RICH TRADITIONS, BOLD AMBITIONS IT IS TIME FOR OUR LEADERS TO TAKE A STAND ON WHAT CHEMICALS WE ALLOW IN OUR PUBLIC

ELLISA PARKER

A NEW petition calling for Toowoomba Regional Council to stop using pesticides in public spaces has appeared online.

The petition on campaigning website Change.org was created by Toowoomba resident Ellisa Parker.

“The use of pesticides and chemicals have become increasingly linked with public ill health,” Ms Parker wrote.

“Chemicals and pesticides such as herbicide, insecticides nematicide, molluscicide, piscicide, avicide, rodenticide, bactericide, insect repellent, animal repellent, antimicrobial, and fungicide should not be permitted for use in public spaces within our region.

“They are toxic, and exposure can cause a number of health effects. They are linked to a range of serious illnesses and diseases from respiratory problems to cancer.”

Ms Parker said the Cancer Council had urged global chemical giant Monsanto to come clean on any potential links to cancer with one of its popular weed killers, after a major lawsuit in the US.

“As a region with rich traditions, bold ambitions it is time for our leaders to take a stand on what chemicals and pesticides we allow in our public spaces,” she said.

“We ask Toowoomba Regional Council to follow suit with many other Australian councils and adopt new practices to transition to a Toxic Free Public Space Policy.”

At time of print the petition had received 25 signatures and had a goal of 100 signatures.