NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Great Lakes area manager, Stephen Smith has assured members of the public that aerial spraying for the highly invasive weed, bitou bush is safe.
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His assurance followed concerns raised by the community about the reasons behind the spraying and environmental impacts it may bring about.
Mr Smith said both sprays used in the program, metsulfuron methyl (also known as Brush-Off) and glyphosate (also known as Roundup), were approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
“These herbicides have been shown to be effective in killing bitou bush when applied at very low concentrations – much lower than the concentrations used when these herbicides are applied using ground spraying methods,” Mr Smith said.
“Both herbicides affect the specific enzyme pathways plants use to grow.
"Neither enzyme pathways are present in animals.”
Mr Smith added the herbicide was applied by helicopter using a boom at very low altitudes that delivered large droplets of spray onto the vegetation to avoid spray drift.
“Extensive testing has shown that bitou bush can be killed using very low concentrations of metsulfuron methyl, 30 grams per hectare, while other plants show little to no impact,” he said.
“The aerial spraying program is carried out in accordance with the published Best Practice Guidelines for Aerial Spraying of bitou bush in NSW, and complies with the APVMA’s permit approval conditions.”
Locals were advised that while the aerial spraying program was carried out, treatment areas would be closed and staff were present to restrict access while the helicopter passed through.
After the spray is dry, the areas are reopened to public access.
Bitou bush is a major weed along the NSW coastline that has a severe impact on the biodiversity of coastal native plant communities.
