Aims of the Chemicals In the Management of Biodiversity (CIMB) Working Group

To gather information from parties affected by a ban on Glyphosate, such as AABR members and local government
To collate information on the science behind chemical use to manage biodiversity
To provide information on:
- The impacts of a glyphosate ban, or restrictions, on the control of weeds
- The health and safety implications of chemical use in managing biodiversity
- The experiences of other councils and organisations that have already restricted or banned glyphosate and the chemical alternatives being used
- The biodiversity and conservation impacts of glyphosate and other herbicide restrictions.
- Weed management plans that show herbicides are a necessary, but minor part of conservation efforts or regeneration, with herbicide decreasing to minimal levels over time when implementing Integrated Pest Management systems.

The Working Group

The group is Chaired by Patrick Deasey and will resume meetings in 2026. Active working group members are always welcome. Contact admin@aabr.org.au to express interest in joining the working group.

Resources

Safe Chemical Use in Bush Regeneration (PDF)

This AABR guide shares practical information for bush regenerators and land managers on how to use herbicides safely and effectively. Drawing from expert sources and field experience, it offers clear,hands-on guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE), storage, signage, record keeping and environmentally sensitive application techniques. Whether you’re a volunteer or a contractor, it’s a must-read for safe on-ground work in line with ecological restoration best practice.

Glyphosate and Chemical Bans: What Practitioners and Councils Need to Know (PDF)
This evidence-based fact sheet unpacks the science, practicalities and policy considerations around glyphosate and other herbicide bans. Based on council case studies and current research, it explores the impact of outright bans, safety findings, costs, alternative methods, and AABR’s recommended integrated approach. Essential reading for bushland managers and local government officers tasked with balancing public concerns, environmental outcomes and operational needs.

How is your council dealing with the use of Glyphosate? Do they have the latest information?

At the November 17 meeting of the CIMB Working Group the findings from the October report on alternative glyphosate treatments, commissioned by Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), were presented by report authors, Associate Professor Lambert Bräu and Dr Lee Hudek. Lee James (Bushland Coordinator-Kingston Council), outlined how the results of the MAV report impacted on the decision of Kingston Council to overturn their glyphosate ban.

Glyphosate – the politics, law, science & practicalities.

Presentation delivered at AABR’s AGM 27/2/21

Off-label use of chemical products – a national and state perspective,

Presentations delivered at the CIMB Working Group meeting 21/7/21

Innovations in the Chemical Management of Vertebrate Pests

The 20 April webinar of the Chemicals In the Management of Biodiversity (CIMB) Working Group had two experts in the field of vertebrate control share the broad themes and detailed insights into chemical use of vertebrate control.