Marrickville residents are campaigning against their council’s use of a controversial pesticide to kill weeds in the area.
Glyphosate is potentially a carcinogenic and has been linked with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma in humans.
It is the topic of an information day at Addison Road Markets this Sunday, August 7. Organiser Sean Davis wants council to ban the pesticide, which is marketed by Monsanto as RoundUp.
“Glyphosate is used on windy days in areas where humans frequent and animals and children play on the ground,” he said.
He says glyphosate’s use along the Cooks River is endangering local frogs.
The pesticide was banned in Denmark after a study revealed it had contaminated groundwater.
Canada and Sweden have followed suit for similar reasons, as has Leichhardt Council after a campaign in 2005.
Council defends the use of the pesticide. “It’s accepted practice around the world to use glyphosate.
Council conducts weed spraying according to the regulatory guidelines and within the Pesticides Act 1999 to ensure the safety of residents and the environment,” a council statement said.
Around shopping strips and sensitive areas including preschools and childcare centres, Council uses steam spraying rather than glyphosate.
Residents can contact Marrickville Council Customer Services Centre and request their property be placed on a list of properties excluded from weed spraying.
“If you are a mother, dog owner, frog lover, soil micro-organism enthusiast or a person interested in a cleaner community there is a lot for you at the info day,” Mr Davis said.
BY GEORGIA FULLERTON
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