The aerial spraying of RoundUp within Wollongong and Shellharbour cities will be subjected to a complete review following public uproar over its use, it has been revealed.
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Hundreds of people had voiced their concern after the Mercury reported the spraying was set to commence this month, covering Perkins Beach and Hill 60 at Port Kembla, Coniston Beach, and Bass Point.
These were to be sprayed with a combination of RoundUp (Perkins and Bass Point) and Brush-Off (Hill 60, Coniston Beach), the Illawarra District Weeds Authority today clarified.
Wollongong City Council had earlier announced it would review its use of weed suppression strategies to make sure they fit community expectations.
"We have listened to the concerns of the community with regards the use of Roundup, and are looking to refine or adjust methods to manage the bitou bush on the five targeted sites using the best science available," Cr Bradbery, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation chair, said.
"I have requested a complete review to be undertaken of the proposed aerial spraying with RoundUp across targeted Illawarra sites by the IDWA."
Cr Bradbery on the weekend said he wanted a review to "doubly check IDWA adheres to guidelines".
But the review announced today goes significantly further than this, to include whether methods should be "adjusted".
The hebicide was intended to combat the noxious weed bitou bush, identified as a priority pest species by the NSW Government.
The sites where spraying was proposed are Conistin Beach, Hill 60, Perkins Beach (northern end), Hansen's quarry and adjacent Crown Land at Bass Point, and some land at Gerringong-Gerroa.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation - which runs the Illawarra District Weeds Authority - includes Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.