The Australian Weeds Strategy 2017-2027 was implemented to translates biosecurity and other related policies into a strategy that governments, landholders, industry and the community can use to guide weed planning and management. The strategy supports three national goals: prevention, detection and early intervention; minimise the impact of established weeds; and enhance Australia’s capacity and commitment to weed management.

For local governments, the strategy lists a number of responsibilities including:

· Exercise statutory duties to encourage responsible weed management

· Manage weed problems on local government land in a responsible way, in co-operation with other landowners

· Represent community interests in weed management

· Support the activities of local groups undertaking weed management

· Assist with data collection and information exchange

· Develop and adopt ‘good neighbour’ policies, where appropriate, to help reduce the spread and impacts of high risk weed species

· Support and build public awareness about weed issues

For decades, the status-quo in weed control has been herbicides, and in particular the market-leading option, glyphosate. However, there has always been an underlying debate around whether it is or isn’t safe to use. In recent years, concern has grown larger in light of scientific research and studies that have been carried out around the impact of the chemical on human health and in a bid to prove or disprove its toxicity.

In 2015, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency, IARC, declared that, based on observational studies, animal studies and test tube studies, glyphosate is a ‘probable human carcinogen’ – meaning it could potentially cause cancer. Concerns have risen out of the chemical’s link to health and the increasing exposure of the chemical to people, animals and waterways in public spaces.

Many councils are therefore consciously looking to herbicides alternatives in a bid to move away from their reliance on herbicides in their communities, whether under duress from public petition and changes in legislation, or as their statutory duty of care to their residents and the environment.

Foamstream’s primary objective was to enable those wanting to make the move away from herbicide reliance to do so as simply and cost-effectively as possible. It provides them with a safe, effective alternative to use in public spaces like schools, parks, playgrounds, residential and other urban areas.

There are many alternative herbicide-free solutions available on the market, however Foamstream offers councils a number of benefits to help solve the key organisational challenges they are faced with when looking to make a policy which moves away from herbicides:

1. FOAMSTREAM IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE, HERBICIDE-FREE SOLUTION ON THE MARKET.

Foamstream requires less annual treatment cycles than any other alternative on the market. This is due to the insulating foam blanket which helps hold the heat in the hot water on the plant for longer, providing a more effective kill rate. This, combined with sterilising surrounding seeds and spores to reduce future regrowth, means that Foamstream becomes the most effective alternative solution.

With instantaneous results and visible foam cover, operators can also see where they have treated ensuring they don’t waste time covering the same area twice. Multi-functionality, provided by the ability to use Foamstream not only to control unwanted vegetation but also to tackle street cleaning tasks such as gum removal and power washing, allows councils to spread capital costs across multiple departments within their organisation.

2. AVOID ANY COSTLY DOWNTIME.

Foamstream has many benefits over other alternative methods, as well as over glyphosate. As Foamstream can be used in all weather and on all surfaces, all year round, it allows labour to be effectively planned and allocated. This reduces costly downtime and allows for the definite planning of tasks and operations.

3. NO SAFETY RISK TO THE OPERATOR, PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT.

Foamstream has been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). It’s environmentally-friendly credentials make it 100% safe for use around people, animals, waterways and delicate ecosystems, eliminating the chance of causing potential harm to residents and their community.

4. NO SPECIALIST TRAINING OR EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.

Foamstream requires no on-going operator certification, protective clothing, or specialist training – helping eliminate additional costs attributed to traditional methods of vegetation control. Councils can easily and simply implement Foamstream with little to no training due to its intuitive operating system. This means councils can start using Foamstream systems straight after delivery of their machinery ensuring no time is wasted.

5. POSITIVE PUBLICITY FOR THE COUNCIL.

Councils who have already implemented Foamstream as part of their herbicide-free strategy have received positive publicity for their decision, as well as positioning them as forward-thinking authorities who are conscious of resident’s health. This includes receiving positive feedback from the residents themselves on the emotional impact of using Foamstream systems.

The use of Foamstream allows councils an opportunity to publicise their borough in a positive way by supporting environmentally friendly credentials and promoting greener, cleaner and safer green and urban spaces for their residents.

We offer free Foamstream demonstrations, and have a number of special rent before you buy deals available for councils ahead of growing season, so contact us today on 1300 866 911 or sales@weedingtechaustralia.com.au to learn how we can support your weed management operations in a cost-effective, safe and herbicide-free way.