As per Council resolution 09-465 on 11 June 2009, Council will not be participating in the aerial spray of bitou bush this year.
National Parks and Wildlife Service will be undertaking the treatment in Cape Byron, Broken Head, Billinudgel and Brunswick Heads Nature Reserves/ National Parks as planned.
No spraying will occur on Council managed land and Council has no further involvement in the operation.
Any public enquiries can now be directed to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Byron Coast office on 02 6620 9300
There are two herbicides used for aerial spraying of bitou bush: glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl. Glyphosate - is a non-volatile, water soluble, non-residual herbicide Metsulfuron methyl - is a non-volatile, water soluble, residual herbicide
The manufacturers of glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl have done extensive toxicological studies on humans to ensure that their products are safe when used according to the label directions. The mode of action of both herbicides is targeted at biochemical processes that occur only in plants.
Glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl are both biodegradable.
Glyphosate bonds to soil particles, limiting its movement within the soil. In soil and water glyphosate is broken down by micro-organisms into natural products.
The herbicides used for the aerial spraying of bitou bush have little odour, thus the smell you can detect is most likely the fuel fumes from the helicopter and not herbicide.
You can safely enter a sprayed area as soon as the spray has dried. Depending on the weather conditions, this is usually between 30 minutes and an hour after spraying. The operations manager will assess this, and only after it is safe will any closed areas be re-opened to the public.
Your pet animal can safely enter a sprayed area as soon as the spray has dried. Depending on the weather conditions, this is usually between 30 minutes and an hour after spraying. The operations manager will assess this, and only after it is safe will any closed areas be re-opened to the public. The herbicides used are safe for animals when used according to the label directions, as the modes of action are specifically targeted at plant biochemical processes.
The rates of herbicide used for helicopter boom spraying of bitou bush are lower than the rates used for ground spraying. Extensive trials have revealed that low application rates of herbicide applied in winter can kill bitou bush with limited damage to native species. The herbicide manufacturers have done extensive toxicological studies on a range of animals to ensure that their products are safe when used according to the label directions