The new protocols are also likely to include the use of drones to spray hard-to-reach areas on public reserves.

The council will consider a revised pesticides notification plan which includes formalising an end to using the weedkilling poison glyphosate around playgrounds.

Glyphosate, commonly sold under agrichemical giant Monsanto's brand RoundUp, has stirred controversy for its common usage around public spaces, including around Wollongong.

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Two years ago Wollongong City Council said it would review its use of RoundUp after community outcry over its use in playgrounds and public places, and aerial spraying over Port Kembla and Bass Point.

The new system, if adopted, allows it no more, while spot spraying of insecticide remains.

"Council no longer uses non-selective herbicides in playgrounds", the new policy states.

Court cases in the USA have awarded huge sums in compensation to workers who developed cancer after prolonged exposure to glyphosate in their jobs.

The World Health Organisation's cancer agency concluded glyphosate was "probably" carcinogenic in 2015. But a recent study by several European countries has found that calling it a carcinogen is not justified. Concerns persist about its impact on ecosystems.

Council had committed to review the pesticides plan five years after it was adopted in 2016. The new reviewed plan is mostly the same as the previous edition, with the playgrounds section changed. Also, aerial boom spraying of pesticides has been removed, replaced with procedures for using drones for spraying hard-to-reach areas.

"The Illawarra District Weeds Authority (IDWA) may undertake a targeted control program on priority weeds using drone technology", the new policy states.

"This will primarily be used to help control heavy and inaccessible infestations of priority weeds on identified public reserves throughout the local government area."

This would require notices to be published at the start of the spraying season, as well as directly informing nearby residents at least five days before spraying. If a house, school or factory is within 150m of the spray area, their consent is needed first.

Spot-spraying herbicides remains in use for sporting fields and ovals, laneways and pathways, golf courses and caravan parks, and swimming pool grounds.

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