Weed control

We practice physical weeding methods in sensitive areas such as waterways and wetlands. This includes hand weeding and brush cutting. These techniques reduce the amount of weed seeds and minimise the use of herbicides in and around our waterways.

To ensure public and employee safety, chemical treatments are applied by trained operators in strict accordance with the label instructions, standard operating procedures and risk assessments.

We use 2 different herbicides:

• Glyphosate (Round Up) is an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approved aquatic‑safe glyphosate. It is used to control weeds on roads and shopping centres and in urban areas such as laneways, garden beds and fence lines. When used correctly, it is an effective and low‑cost way to manage weeds in these areas.   Glyphosate is only used during dry weather.
• Simazine  is a pre-emergent herbicide that is used in exotic grasslands and barren areas. It prevents weed growth by blocking seeds from germinating. We do not spray this around native plants, waterways or on hard surfaces to protect our environment from run-off.

All glyphosate and simazine products registered for use in Australia have been assessed by the APVMA. They are safe when the label instructions are followed. Once dried down, there is a low likelihood that glyphosate can be transferred to other plants. On a warm day, the treatment dries in around 30 minutes.

Our weed control program guides and tracks the locations and frequency of spraying to maximise effectiveness and reduce the use of chemicals.

Before spraying, our teams check the weather conditions. When rain is expected, spraying does not occur near drains or the storm water network. Other weed control methods may be used if needed.

A non-toxic colourant made from vegetable dye is often added to the mix to help spray operators keep track of where they have sprayed.

A vehicle fitted with an optical boom sprayer is used to spray weeds along roadside kerbs and gutters . It has an infrared beam to identify plant material and then applies herbicide to the plant. This:

• improves the accuracy of the weed spraying
• reduces the amount of herbicide we use
• means spraying can be undertaken at night to minimise traffic disruption
• supports the health and safety of road users and our team.

It’s important to prevent the growth and spread of new weeds. The team research and trial alternative weed control methods such as mulching and landscape design.

Sustainable practices such as mulched garden beds prevent new weed seeds from settling in the soil and receiving sunlight.

Pre-emergent herbicides help reduce the use of chemical treatments over time as the weed crops reduce. The weeds then become more manageable by sustainable and physical weed control methods. Simazine prevents the germination of new weed seeds and is used in areas where there is little to no competition from other plants.

We are always reviewing and investigating alternative options. This includes seeking advice on the use of chemical treatments from the APVMA and appropriate authorities and agencies.