As a Grafton resident and concerned community member, I've been in direct contact with Clarence Valley Council about the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in our public spaces. In my March 2026 emails to the council, I raised serious concerns after reviewing their Pesticide Notification page and weekly weed control plans, which confirm applications of products like Apparent Glyphosate Green 360 and Weedmaster Duo in parks, reserves, playgrounds, sporting fields/ovals, and other areas across Grafton, South Grafton, and surrounds—including bush regeneration spot spraying and turf/aquatic weed control.

While the council states they follow NSW Pesticides Act, APVMA approvals, and EPA guidelines, use trained staff, hand weed where possible in sensitive areas, and monitor for new evidence, they currently have no plans to phase out or ban glyphosate. They note integrated methods are used where practical but view alternatives like steam weeding as not viable for large-scale use at this time.

However, recent independent research since 2025 provides compelling new evidence that justifies a targeted review and precautionary action—especially in high-use family spaces where children play on grass, use equipment, and have hand-to-mouth contact; pregnant women and families gather; and pets interact with residues.

Key developments include:
- The June 2025 Global Glyphosate Study (led by the Ramazzini Institute and international collaborators, published in Environmental Health), which found long-term exposure to glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides caused multiple cancers (including early-onset leukemia, skin, liver, thyroid, mammary, kidney, and nervous system tumors) in rats—even at doses matching or below regulatory "safe" levels like the EU Acceptable Daily Intake.
- The late 2025 retraction of a influential 2000 safety review paper in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology (previously cited to affirm glyphosate's safety), due to serious ethical concerns including undisclosed Monsanto influence and ghostwriting—prompting renewed scrutiny of past evidence.

These findings build on the World Health Organization's IARC 2015 classification of glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A) and highlight risks from repeated low-level exposures in recreational areas.

Many other Australian councils have already acted on precautionary grounds  by restricting, phasing out or banning glyphosate in public parks, playgrounds, and sensitive zones—proving safer weed control is feasible:
- Douglas Shire Council (QLD): Banned in playgrounds, near schools/childcare, and sensitive public areas, shifting to steam weeding, organic herbicides (e.g., Slasher), and manual methods.
- Randwick City Council (NSW): Phased out glyphosate-based products like Roundup since 2019, trialing nonanoic acid-based and organic alternatives.
- Byron Shire Council (NSW), City of Fremantle and City of Stirling (WA), and others: Implemented restrictions or full phase-outs in parks and family spaces.

We don't need an immediate full ban disrupting services. Instead, I respectfully ask Clarence Valley Council to:
1. Initiate a formal review of glyphosate use in Grafton's family-oriented parks, playgrounds, sporting fields, reserves, and areas near schools—incorporating the 2025–2026 studies and community health priorities.
2. Commit to a phased phase-out of glyphosate-based herbicides in these sensitive public recreational spaces, starting with high-traffic family areas.
3. Expand hand weeding (as already done where possible) and trial/implement low-toxicity, non-chemical, or organic alternatives (e.g., manual removal, mulching, bioherbicides) that balance practicality and costs.
4. Improve transparency with better public notifications, signage, and community consultation on weed management.

Grafton is a wonderful community that values safe outdoor spaces for our kids and families. By leading with caution—especially when alternatives work elsewhere—we can protect vulnerable groups and show environmental stewardship.

If you live in Grafton, South Grafton, or the Clarence Valley—or simply care about children's health—please sign this petition to support my ongoing advocacy and show council there's strong community backing for change. Share widely, and let's work together for a healthier Grafton and to raise healthy happy babies 🥰

Thank you,  
Natalie  
Grafton resident