Have your say on the City’s draft Weed and Pest Management Policy

The City of Stirling is committed to pesticide reduction and the responsible usage of pesticides.

To ensure we continue to improve our practices, the City has developed a draft Weed and Pest Management Policy.

The policy, which is now out for public comment, outlines the City’s approach to weed and pest management as well as how and when people in the City will be notified when pesticides are applied.

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said managing weeds and pests in our conservation reserves and public spaces was very important, as they could pose a threat to biodiversity and the amenity of those areas.

“The City manages thousands of City owned parks, reserves and open spaces, as well as more than 3000 kilometres of kerb-lines and footpaths and 13 hectares of traffic islands, so we need to make sure that we are able to control weeds and pests as responsibly and effectively as possible,” Mayor Irwin said.

“The intent of this policy is to make sure that this happens in a manner that is as environmentally, socially and economically responsible as possible.”

City of Stirling Manager Parks and Sustainability, Ian Hunter said the City followed the principles of Integrated Pest Management which was reflected in the policy.

“That means the City will only use pesticides and herbicides when all other feasible and reasonable options are explored, such as hand pulling, mechanical cutting, mulching, steaming and the use of organic herbicides and trial environmentally sustainable herbicide and pesticide alternatives,” Mr Hunter said.

“It also means that when pesticides do need to be used, we ensure they are applied in a safe and responsible manner and that the relevant people and residents are notified.”

To view the City’s Weed and Pest Management Policy and make a submission, go to the project page.