Weed invasion threatens the biodiversity of our conservation reserves and affects the function, community use and amenity of our public spaces.
The City uses an integrated approach to weed and pest management. This means when chemical-free weed controls are not effective or feasible, the City selectively uses herbicides and pesticides.
Seasonal weed control notification
Seasonal weed control using a Glyphosate spraying will be conducted from September 2023 to the end of December 2023 (weather permitting) as follows:
- Glyphosate will be applied to road kerb on district distributor roads and traffic islands throughout the City, in accordance with label directions and best practice from the Western Australian Department of Health.
- Application will cease in wet or windy conditions and nozzle protection shrouds will be used to minimize spray drift
- Weed spraying vehicles will have clear signage showing ‘Slow Moving Vehicle, Spraying in Progress’ and display the Contractor’s name.
Residents who wish to exempt glyphosate spraying adjacent to their property can have their name and property address recorded on the non-spraying list, by registering on the City's website.
Weed control using steam will be continuous through the year.
Steam spraying will be used on the road reserve next to sensitive areas (in front of schools, shops, parks, aged care, preschool centres), footpaths, laneways and public pedestrian accessways.
The City has recommended a program to phase out glyphosate within the road reserve, making incremental shifts to steam over the next three years.
Pests
The City can provide assistance when pests such as vermin, flies, mosquitoes and European wasps are reported on public property.
Common pests in the City’s parks, reserves and beaches include rabbits, foxes and feral cats. The City conducts rabbit baiting and fox trapping each summer in an attempt to control population numbers and to reduce the impact on natural ecosystems.