In recent discussions within the City of Vincent, the use of glyphosate for weed control in parks and gardens has come under scrutiny. Glyphosate, a controversial weed spray, has faced public concern due to its potential environmental and health impacts. The city's staff has assessed the feasibility of alternative methods, but the findings have raised questions about the cost-effectiveness of these alternatives.

Key Takeaways from the Council's Deliberation:

1. Cost Considerations: The City of Vincent has expressed concerns over the significantly higher costs associated with alternative weed control methods, particularly steam treatment. It's estimated that steam treatment could be up to 20 times more expensive than using glyphosate, necessitating a substantial budget increase.

2. Public Engagement: Ratepayers at the 2021-22 annual meeting of electors urged the city to explore reducing glyphosate use in public open spaces. This led to a debate within the council about the potential shift away from glyphosate.

3. No Immediate Change: Despite the cost concerns, a proposal to trial the discontinuation of glyphosate was defeated by a vote of 3-5. Council members expressed reservations about the financial implications of such a change.

4. Ongoing Research: The City of Vincent is part of a larger effort, the WA Local Government Association's integrated weed management working group, researching alternative weed control methods. Currently, all 27 councils in the group continue to use glyphosate to varying degrees.

Questions and Answers:

1. Why is the City of Vincent reconsidering glyphosate use?

   The reconsideration is in response to public concerns and requests to reduce glyphosate use in public open spaces.

2. What alternative method was considered, and why was it deemed costly?

   Steam treatment was considered but was estimated to be up to 20 times more expensive than glyphosate, leading to budgetary concerns.

3. Was there any proposal to ban glyphosate in certain areas?

   Yes, there was a proposal to ban glyphosate in Hyde Park, although this proposal was not accepted.

4. How is the City of Vincent ensuring safety regarding glyphosate use?

   The City appointed an independent contractor to test soil for any residual traces of glyphosate, with ongoing testing and monitoring.

5. Are there other weed control methods in use besides glyphosate?

   Yes, the City of Vincent employs a variety of weed control methods, including organic herbicides, hand-weeding, whipper-snipping, and physical barriers.

6. What's the future of glyphosate use in the City of Vincent?

   While there's ongoing research into alternative methods, for now, glyphosate remains in use due to budgetary considerations.

As responsible pet owners in Bicton and the wider community, it's essential to stay informed about local issues like glyphosate use in our parks. Continue to engage with your local council and stay updated on their efforts to balance effective weed control with budget constraints.

Dr Kay would like to bring your attention to the previous post regarding this subject which contains further links to other articles regarding glyphosate.