I am a person more than most who supports a concerted effort to have implemented a biodiversity strategy to protect our endangered fauna and flora.
My fear is not assisted by the photo with this report which makes it appear that a good proportion of the half million dollars is to be a slush fund for Monsanto and it’s cronies.
Of course while other countries are seeking to limit, and in some cases have banned glyphosates, we, because of our slack laws and ignorance, have virtually become a dumping ground for this toxic and insidious poison.
With irony, it is the ratepayers and community who are footing the bill, the workers doing the job who are risking their health and of course the environment being subjected to the usual chemical onslaught year in and year out.
I did note our work-for-the dole worker and/or volunteer, although wearing a cotton mask, was still bare skinned on a sunny day. He should take care as the surfactants in your typical Round Up mix help with the application of the herbicide. It is my understanding that the Round Up label cautions to avoid skin contact; OHS should be a high priority when it comes to the low paid or conscripted worker.
There really needs to be some transparency and information made to the public regarding the cost, the environmental risks, the health hazards and effectiveness of Round Up by councils, Greening and environmental care groups, that’s a good start for a biodiversity strategy.
Al Oshlack, Lismore
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
