Glyphosate-based weedkillers such as Roundup are being phased out of Randwick Council operations as part of a trial of organic alternatives, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson announced today.

Council will trial the use of a naturally occurring herbicide such as Nonanoic acid product sold as ‘Slasher Weedkiller’ as part of its weed management program in parks, open spaces, garden beds and footpaths.

Slasher is made from naturally occurring acids found in plant oils and is a non-selective weed killer which works similar to glyphosate.

“This is a progressive and responsible move to trial alternative products. Some members of the community are concerned about the use of glyphosate and recent court decisions overseas. We’re proactively responding to that concern through this trial,” said Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson.

In urban bushland and Coastal Walkway areas Council will substitute Roundup with alternative herbicides that are approved and regulated for use in these situations. Council will also continue the spraying of non–glyphosate based selective weedkillers in parks and sports field to control weeds like clover and bindii.