Playgroup calls on Council to justify herbicide use

Members of the Nature Play Group from the Peninsula Environment Group have called on Central Coast Council to justify use of a scheduled herbicide in the "drainage easement" adjacent to Neera Rd, Umina.

The playgroup is not a campaigning organisation and members were reluctant to make comment in the media about the use of herbicides.

The playgroup organises regular outings for picnics and exploration of the bush and waterways.

One member, Ms Verity Roser, shared the public notice placed in a regional newspaper by Central Coast Council about use of Glyphosate 360 in February and March to "manage woody weeds growing in the revetment mattress".

The notice said "the public is advised not use, drink or swim in the water until further notice".

"This creek flows to Kiddy's Corner at the south end of Umina Beach," Ms Roser said.

"My parents have lived on this creek for 30 years and have had times when fish or ducks have died on mass," she said.

"My father has called Council but never had an answer."

Glyphosate 360 herbicide is a water soluble herbicide for non-selective control of annual, aquatic and perennial weeds.

Instructions for its use said: "Do not apply this product within 0.5km upstream of potable water intake in flowing water (rives or streams) or within 0.5km of a potable water intake in a standing body of water such as a lake, pond or reservoir.

Although proposed use adjacent to Neera Rd is not near a drinking water supply, members of the Nature Play Group have questioned whether its use is safe in an area so close to an area of beach and creek mouth preferred by the parents of young children.

Safety directions indicate the product will irritate the eyes and skin and that contact is to be avoided.

Users are directed to wear elbow length PVC gloves and face shields or goggles.

"After use and before eating, drinking or smoking, wash hands, arms and face thoroughly with soap and water.

"After each day's use wash contaminated clothing, gloves and face shield or goggles.

"When using controlled droplet applicator wear protective waterproof clothing and impervious footwear."

Chemical company Monsanto introduced Glyphosate to the market in the 1970s under the trade name Roundup and the company's last patent expired in 2000.

Its toxicology and safety for humans remains a topic of debate.

According to members of the PEG Nature Play Group, other local governments have stopped using it in favour of safer chemicals.

Cr Richard Mehrtens said he was disappointed that Council staff considered a notice in a regional newspaper adequate to inform the local community and visitors about the use of the herbicide.

"Perhaps through the consultation Council currently has underway to get feedback from the community about its engagement strategies, they will find improved communication methods for such important safety information," he said.

SOURCES:

Interviews, 7 Feb 2018

Verity Roser, PEG Nature Play Group

Richard Mehrtens, Central Coast Council

Reporter: Jackie Pearson