City of Fremantle
Coastal Charm
The City of Fremantle manages weeds across public spaces to maintain and improve the condition of the city’s bushland and parks, reduce the threats of weed invasion, usability of open spaces and reduce fire risks.
We use an integrated weed management approach, which means combining different methods to suit each location and target species.
We are currently conducting a number of non-chemical weed management methods, including:
Successful trials are incorporated into our integrated weed management program.
We understand that some community members are concerned about the use of herbicides such as glyphosate. The City is committed to reducing reliance on chemical weed control and trialling alternatives such as Thermal weed control and plant-based herbicides.
Where herbicide use is required, it is:
The products used by the City are all approved for public space use in Australia. Contractors and City staff are trained and licensed by the Department of Health to undertake herbicide treatments, to ensure applications are conducted safely and with minimal environmental impact.
Warning signage is placed at all path entrances and around the boundary of the treatment area where spraying is to be undertaken, and you can scan the QR code on these signs to read more about our approach.
Glyphosate is only used where other methods are not effective or practical – for example, in large areas, deep-rooted weeds, or in bushland areas. Its use is tightly controlled and minimised as part of our broader integrated weed management approach.
The herbicides used by the City are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Applications are carried out by trained, licensed contractors following strict safety guidelines. Signs are always placed at treated areas. (include link – Glyphosate | Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority)
Steam and hot water treatments, manual removal, mulching, and plant-based herbicides are being trialled in selected areas. Where proven effective, they are adopted more widely.
In some cases, non-chemical methods alone can’t control aggressive or fast-spreading weeds, particularly in road verges and hard surfaces. These methods are also often more time-consuming and expensive, making them not always viable on a large scale. The City uses the least harmful and most effective method available for each site.
For questions or feedback about the City’s weed management program, contact the Parks and Landscape team on 1300 MYFREO (1300 693 736) or info@fremantle.wa.gov.au.
