Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

Douglas Shire Council has reacted strongly to comments on a social media page about its herbicide policy.

Comments published about council staff by the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, have been deemed false.

It has been asserted “that the new Mayor has permitted council workers to spray numerous toxic herbicides again throughout the shire without telling the residents about this unofficial change in policy, or rescinding the motions of the previous council,” according to the social page posting. 

In a statement issued to Newsport, Council said staff are continuing to enact the glyphosate reduction strategy using five methods to control weeds in sensitive public spaces:

• Bio oil spray
• ‘Slasher’ acid-based spray
• Steam weeding
• Hand weeding
• Mulching

“Comments recently published about council staff by the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine are false.

“Council will write to the ACNEM to express concern about the publishing of this misinformation and will be requesting a correction,” the statement said.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said he was disappointed and frustrated that lies such as this are being used against this organisation for minimal political gain.

“I have ensured that the upcoming budget that will be presented for resolution has the required funding to ensure that this policy continues.

“Ensuring the safety of Council staff and the community is paramount as well as the protection of our surrounding environment,” said Mayor Kerr.