The herbicide was diluted and applied in accordance with the product label. The error related to where it was applied — to grass nature strips where treatment was not required — rather than how it was applied.
The application was not requested nor authorised by Council and occurred while the contractor was carrying out scheduled tree-square maintenance.
The affected areas were treated on 20 and 21 August. There is no ongoing risk to residents or pets and no precautions are required.
Herbicide is routinely used as part of Council’s weed-control practices, including around trees planted in hard-surface tree squares. The trees affected in this incident are located on grass nature strips, where this treatment was not required.
Council is inspecting the affected areas, with inspections to be completed by 23 September. Affected nature strips will be hydroseeded to re-establish grass cover, with remediation expected to be completed by mid-October.
The contractor has accepted responsibility for the error and will cover the cost of the remediation works to re-establish the affected grass. Council is also working with the contractor to improve its processes and prevent a similar incident occurring again.
We apologise for the error and any concern or inconvenience it may have caused.
