MIDLAND TRAIN STATION —
GLYPHOSATE USE
1250. Hon DIANE EVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the spraying of
glyphosate at the Midland train station around 11.30 am on Tuesday, 22 October
2019.
(1) Who
authorised the spraying, what was the purpose, and why was no other method used
in a highly populated transit area?
(2) Are all train platforms in Perth sprayed with
glyphosate; and, if so, how often and at what times of the day?
(3) What are the
documented procedures for glyphosate use while people are waiting for or
disembarking from trains, and how are they expected to avoid inhalation of or
contact with airborne sprays?
(4) Was there any pre-warning to train travellers to
avoid the area; and, if so, how and when was it communicated?
(5) Are people
who arrive post-spraying informed that spray residue may still be present on the
seating and other structures; and, if not, why not?
Several members
interjected.
The PRESIDENT:
Let us hear from the Minister for Environment first.
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
Thank you, Madam President. I thank
the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The Public
Transport Authority engages fully qualified and accredited landscaping
contractors, who at the time were using a glyphosate
product for the purpose of treating and controlling weeds. Although the PTA
is currently investigating and considering alternative methods and options for
treating and controlling weeds, that ingredient is being used for that purpose.
(2) Most train
stations, including car parks and verges, have been treated for weed control
methods that include this ingredient. Frequency of use has ranged from every
three to six months, and occurs more frequently depending on seasonality and
climate.
(3) The contractor is obliged to adhere to the product
material safety data sheets and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for use. The spray is applied outside
of peak hours and a spotter is present to ensure that members of the
public do not enter the proximity. The spray is applied directly to the surface
with a specialised nozzle for proper control to prevent overspray.
(4) Signage is
deployed at locations in which this ingredient is applied. In addition, a spotter
is used to ensure that members of the public are informed and do not remain at
close proximity.
(5) This product
is applied directly to weeds for effective weed control and is not sprayed on
any other surfaces that the public may come into contact with.