FOSTER Farmers Market is a lovely community market nestled in a picturesque public park in the grounds of the Foster Memorial Hall near Wilsons Promontory. This monthly market attracts many local families and visitors from across Gippsland, metro Melbourne and overseas. On Saturday, March 15 this year many people complained to me about the pink staining and die-back of grass across this park, which indicated the recent application of a herbicide. Those complaining included elderly patrons, several people with dogs, and most significantly, both a heavily pregnant woman and parents of an infant who had been playfully rolling on the pink stained slopes and picked up a piece of fruit he had dropped on the ground.

In answer to my enquiry to the South Gippsland Shire, council officers confirmed they had sprayed an herbicide, Dicamba, on this parkland within the last fortnight; and that Dicamba is widely sprayed in parklands and playgrounds across South Gippsland. It is also used in many other local government areas. 

The official safety data sheet for Dicamba states it is moderately persistent in soil with a half-life of in soil of seven-28 days. This means significant amounts of Dicamba, or its breakdown products, can still be measured for months after its application. The safety data sheet also warns Dicamba:

• is highly mobile in soil and may contaminate groundwater; and has long-lasting effects on aquatic life. Users must ensure the chemical does not get into drains or waterways; and

• can cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation; and if ingested: May cause loss of appetite, vomiting, incontinence, muscle weakness, slowed heart rate, shortness of breath, cyanosis and central nervous system effects. 

Council officers advised me that the Shire does not place warning or information signs in any of the areas sprayed to warn of herbicides applications, as they believe the chemical effects only last for a few days. Nor are warnings given to nearby neighbours given the high potential for spray drift. 

Local governments across Australia and the world are stopping their use of toxic chemicals, especially as there are effective, non-toxic herbicides and other people and environment-safe methods available. It is time to demand our local councils avoid spraying toxic chemicals. Before use of any toxic chemicals, public agencies and private land holders should first and foremost consider public health and safety precautions: what safe, non-toxic, effective alternatives are available before using any toxic pesticide. 

Local councils and government agencies who have a duty of care to maintain public areas must use safer and more effective alternatives; and, before spraying any toxic chemical, must consider the timing and 
extent of parkland and playground use; wind and other weather conditions; waterways and site-drainage; and significant flora and fauna in the vicinity. It is also essential if toxic chemicals are to be used that all councils ensure adequate public warnings are provided in advance, and that public health warning signs are publicly displayed in all areas that have been sprayed. 

Public awareness is important. So too is public action, so I urge you to advise your local council quickly of any spray incidents you are concerned about and place your property on their local no-spray register. 

Rosemary Cousin, Allambee South