FRANKSTON Council will investigate the use of steam instead of a potentially harmful pesticide as a weed killer across the region.
Councillors unanimously backed Cr Sandra Mayer’s proposal to have council officers investigate a steam alternative to the existing Roundup weed killer, containing glyphosate, sprayed by council workers.
Cr Mayer noted scientific research by organisations such as The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organisation, classified glyphosate as “probably cacogenic to humans”.
The potential for the pesticide to cause cancer was not something council could ignore, she said.
“Once upon a time we didn’t think smoking was bad for us and look at where we are now,” Cr Mayer said.
“This is going to be one of the next big things.”
She said some toothpastes and shampoos contain “harmful things” including SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulphate), used in engine degreaser.
“These things are hidden and there’s a lot of money covering up all these sort of things.”
Cr Mayer said a resident informed her that Roundup is sprayed on a leash-free area at Overton Park.
“A precautionary principle should apply or at the very least, far stricter protocols should be adhered to when sprayed in the vicinity of children.”
Cr Glenn Aitken agreed pesticides need to be examined to determine any harmful effects.
“I find it appalling that in this day and age there is still such a carefree and ungoverned use of herbicides in our society,” he said.
A council officer’s report tabled at the council meeting noted glyphosate-based weed killers are “the most effective form of weed control”.
“At the levels used by council it is not considered a hazardous material and is therefore a low risk to aquatic life, animals and human health,” the report stated.
Steam was less effective in controlling weeds, according to the report.
“Steam treatment is required more frequently e.g. monthly compared to quarterly. It is approximately three times more expensive as herbicide control and it should be noted that, in conjunction with steam control, a complimentary herbicide program is still required as steam won’t eradicate 100 per cent of weeds.”
Council officers will now report back to councillors at December’s council meeting about the possibility of using steam as council’s preferred weed killer.
Bayside Council decided earlier this year to order its staff to use pine oil and steam to control weeds in areas where children play and to limit the use of herbicides.
Castlemaine and Bendigo residents have petitioned their councils to stop spraying glyphosate-based pesticides.
Using steam-based alternatives for weed control can be more expensive.
In February WorkSafe Victoria issued guidelines for employers to minimise employees’ exposure to herbicides such as glyphosate.
“Spraying should also be avoided during very windy conditions to minimise the possibility of exposure to spray drift,” the guidelines stated.
Kingston Council is also considering a ban on the use of Roundup as a weed killer.
