Tussle over Tussock - there's life after Frenock

Wednesday, 23 December 1998 10:00

"Despite claims that 'environmentalists' had Frenock removed from the market, investigation into its voluntary removal by the chemical giant ICI (of Helix fame), indicates it had more to do with the limited Australian market and closure of the Japanese chemical company who manufactured the active ingredient flupropanate," said Ms Immig Chemicals Campaigner with Total Environment Centre.

"Calls by the Taskforce and farmers to have Frenock re-instated are futile. ICI are extremely unlikely to re-register the chemical when it comes up for renewal by the National Registration Authority (NRA) for AgVet chemicals next June. It is likely that the NRA would require new toxicological data for the chemical to meet current health and environmental standards which may not be economically viable for the company to produce," Ms Immig said.

"Claims that Australia will be 'taken over' by serrated tussock because Frenock is not available are alarmist. It's true that it is a serious weed, but integrated weed management strategies have been developed by NSW Agriculture over several years, which offer practical control options for many of the situations the tussock thrives in. The methods include education programmes to stop further spread; competition with native grasses; pasture improvement; cultivation practices; physical control options as well as the selective application of glyphosate containing herbicides".

"Those confronted with the weed would be well advised to put their efforts and energy into dealing with the dissemination of information about the available control strategies rather than pointing the finger at environmentalists for the removal of a chemical which isn't coming back."

"The removal of Frenock does serve as a reminder to all land users that placing all your bets on chemical controls for pests is not sustainable management. Stricter environmental and health standards for all chemicals will only increase in the future. This should be embraced by the Federal Government who should support the alternative integrated controls," Ms Immig concluded.