Title: Chemical-free weeding campaign a multicultural success
[TWN 09 July 2014] AUSTRALIA — Friends of Success Hill Reserve and traditional owners, the Swan River Peoples, are pleased to announce the success of their non chemical weeding activities at the Success Hill Reserve in Bassendean, Western Australia. Jane Bremmer spokesperson for Friends of Success Hill Reserve said, “The Bassendean community, especially our children, will benefit from the work we have done here in removing weeds without resorting to harmful chemicals. The community and sensitive river ecosystems have not been exposed to chemical spray and vapour drift, there are no nasty chemical residues left behind in the environment and there has been no risk to the health and regeneration of native species. This is a win-win situation for all.” Success Hill elder Bella Bropho said, “Our sacred site already looks better for the work we have undertaken. It is reassuring to know that our sacred areas have not been poisoned with chemicals, an issue we are very concerned about because of the importance of the Swan River and freshwater streams that exist here at Success Hill to our people. It is our responsibility to protect these areas for our culture and future generations.” . Town of Bassendean, Mayor John Gangell, who visited the reserve. showed his support for the use of non-chemical weeding and said Council had agreed to meet the traditional owners on site after their application to the federal government to stop the construction of a bitumen road through the middle of their registered sacred site. ${imageDescription} Comment
