On this page Content components We carry out a weed management program to:maintain the presentation of our public spaces like parks, reserves, sportsgrounds and streetscapesensure the surfaces at these locations are safe for people using themmanage and protect our biodiversity.2026-27 sportsground weed management programAs part of our ongoing maintenance of sportsgrounds, we run an annual weed and pest management night spraying program. We complete the spraying over several phases in spring and summer.When weed spraying is happeningWeed spraying takes 30 minutes and will happen sometime between 8 pm and 3 am on the following dates:Application 1: Monday 12 October to Wednesday 21 October 2026Application 2: Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026Application 3: Monday 9 November to Wednesday 18 November 2026Application 4: Monday 23 November to Wednesday 2 December 2026Application 5: Monday 14 December to Wednesday 23 December 2026Application 6: Monday 18 January to Wednesday 27 January 2027Application 7: Monday 15 February to Wednesday 24 February 2027.Sportsgrounds involvedAshburtonAshburton ParkMarkham ReserveWatson ParkBalwynBalwyn Park - North OvalBalwyn NorthGordon Barnard Reserve - East Oval and West Oval Greythorn Park Macleay Park - DS Bull Oval (Oval 1) and Oval 2CamberwellHighfield Park - North Oval and South OvalLynden Park - East Oval and West OvalDeepdeneDeepdene ParkGlen IrisBurwood Reserve - East Oval and West OvalEric Raven ReserveFerndale Park Hartwell Sportsground - East Oval and West OvalHoward Dawson ReserveLewin ReserveHawthorn Glenferrie OvalH.A. Smith ReserveSt James ParkHawthorn EastRathmines Road ReserveVictoria Road ReserveKewVictoria Park - North Oval and South OvalKew EastStradbroke Park North OvalWillsmere ParkSurrey HillsCanterbury SportsgroundWeed management methodsWe use a range of methods to manage weeds across our parks, gardens and reserves depending on the location and types of weeds present.We rely on a combination of mechanical and chemical methods to reduce weed growth in our parks, sportsgrounds, open spaces and garden beds.We use herbicides (including spot treatments) in areas such as:garden bedspathwaysaround trees and signpostsalong fencesbluestone kerbs, channels and lanewaysbiodiversity zonesparkssportsgroundsFreeway Golf Course.We use mechanical methods (like steaming or hand weeding) in areas such as:playgroundschildcare centreswetlandssensitive biodiversity zonesother areas where herbicide use is not recommended.Use of herbicidesWe use targeted spraying to control weeds in these large or hard-to-reach areas. Trained contractors apply herbicide directly to the weeds to reduce the amount of chemical used. Glyphosate is the main product used, but we also trial organic and plant-based options where suitable. Spraying only happens in safe weather conditions and follows strict safety rulesWe always follow best practice and apply the product in line with the product and label guidelines to ensure our community and staff are safe.All herbicides we use are considered safe when used according to their guidelines and are regulated by the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994.Minimising exposureWe minimise exposure to our community and staff by:informing our community about spraying programs before and during herbicide application by placing signage near the spray sitesproviding a letter box drop to properties in the immediate vicinity of the spraying area for sportsgrounds and large reserveswearing appropriate personal protective equipment during preparation and applicationapplying the product in accordance with the product’s safety data sheetensuring a second staff member is present when spraying larger sportsground areas to advise the publicensuring pressurised spraying (like knapsack spraying) occurs when wind speed is between 3 and 15km/h for most spraying operationsavoiding pressurised spraying (like knapsack spraying) when it’s likely to rain, is raining, or when areas are wetmaintaining accurate records of where herbicide has been applied. Indigenous grasslands weed management trialWe’re trialling a new weed management method, known as weed scorching at Beckett Park in Balwyn North. The trial is expected to start Tuesday 28 April 2026, weather permitting.This will be a low impact and contained weed scorching trial within the indigenous flora reserve. Weed scorching:is a targeted, small-scale method of heat-based weed controluses a small propane gas torch to heat and scorch identified exotic weeds in indigenous grasslands.When it’s happeningThe trial will run throughout the autumn and winter season on approximately 2 days each month. The contractor will treat small sections of weeds in the reserve on weekdays between 7:30 am and 4 pm. Works will occur weather permitting.Benefits of weed scorchingIt’s important to control and remove exotic weeds in indigenous grass reserves. Weed control in this environment can require various techniques.Weed scorching can:rejuvenate native ground layer plants and grassescontrol weedspromote biodiversityreduce herbicide use.Safety measuresWe’ve appointed qualified contractors to complete the weed scorching at Beckett Park.They will take precautions to ensure the scorching is contained.Treated areas will be monitored closely.Signs will be in place during any scorching treatments.No scorching will be conducted on declared Smog Alert Days or Total Fire Ban Days.The scorching will be registered with the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Why we’re trialling itThis trial is part of our commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity on public lands in Boroondara. As part of this, we look at alternative weed management techniques that are best suited to different vegetation areas and also help us reduce the use of herbicides. Read more about our priorities and actions in our Urban Biodiversity Strategy. ‘No Glyphosate’ trial along Gardiners CreekThe trial ran from December 2022 to April 2025 and tested alternative ways to manage weeds without glyphosate. You can read more in our news article about the end of the trial.Moving forward, Council will continue a weed management approach that reduces herbicide use where possible.
