Using chemicals to control buffel grass

If you use chemicals to control buffel grass on your property, you must use them safely.

There are requirements for using these chemicals under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 2004.

Non-commercial users

If you're a non-commercial or residential user, you can use over-the-counter chemicals containing glyphosate.

In these cases, you must:

• keep glyphosate in approved containers with attached labels
• follow all label instructions
• dispose of containers as per label instructions
• keep records of glyphosate use when specified by a label or permit for at least 2 years
• not spray any glyphosate products in public places without authorisation.

Commercial users

If you're a commercial sprayer or primary production user, you can use:

• schedule 6 poisons such as flupropanate, haloxyfop and glyphosate
• schedule 7 dangerous poisons such as methomyl, diquat and paraquat.

You must have authorisation issued by Chemical Services before you can use schedule 7 poisons.

Before you can get authorisation, you must complete relevant training and maintain adequate storage facilities.

For commercial sprayers, you must have mandatory licences for both the business and individual applicators before starting any commercial spraying.

Chemical storage facility

A chemical storage facility must be secure with access controls.

It must also have:

• a nearby wash facility or equipment
• log and safety data sheets for all chemicals stored inside
• separate areas for wet and dry chemicals
• clear and appropriate signage.

Inspections

Under the Act, the chemical coordinator or a chemical advisor can visit and inspect your premises to investigate any potential offences.

This includes the inspection of machines and equipment used with agricultural and veterinary chemicals, fertilisers and stock food.

You're responsible for ensuring that equipment is working properly and in good condition.

More information

To find out more, read the advisory note.

Advisory note - buffel grass chemical control PDF (409.5 KB)
Advisory note - buffel grass chemical control DOCX (374.1 KB)

Contact

Call 08 8999 2199 or email chemicals@nt.gov.au.