With a local TV crew present, the group of roughly 30 adults and children covered their mouths and held placards highlighting their concerns that spraying chemicals from above the tree-line may drift “kilometres”.

Forestry Corporation was due to begin its one/two day aerial spraying program, but poor weather has delayed the operation giving residents time to gather and orchestrate a grassroots campaign.

Spearheading the protest is Bellingen Green Action Group’s, Susan Weil.

She told the Courier-Sun: “Everyone in the community is outraged – we want more information about how an aerial spray can be legally conducted in such a precious habitat ... so close to where there are residents living, so close to our waterways and our otherwise very healthy ecosystem.

“The community wants to know why the letter did not provide information on how they can take care of their health, protect their farms and their animals in the path of the spay zone.

“The community wants to know how they can spray in the area of certified organic farms in the area as the spray drift cannot be fully determined nor controlled...despite the best of projections.

“The community wants to know who will be responsible for the ongoing health problems associated with children, people with sensitivities and the elderly living within the spray zone.”

It’s safe to say the chasm between concerned local residents and Forestry Corporation is large and deep.

In a statement given to the Courier-Sun, Forestry Corporation of NSW said they wanted to reassure Bellingen Shire residents their practices and procedures were gold-standard.

“There is no evidence to suggest the aerial spraying method Forestry Corporation is proposing will cause herbicides to drift to neighbouring properties,” a spokesperson for Forestry Corporation said.

“Every precaution has been taken to limit any drift, including using specially designed nozzles that are four times the size of regular nozzles and accurately drop the herbicide onto the weeds below. 

“We will be applying the herbicide from five metres above the ground, which is about the height of goal posts and only marginally higher than the height of spray nozzles mounted on vehicles for traditional on-the-ground application. 

“We are also closely monitoring weather conditions and will only apply herbicide in ideal temperatures and when there is no wind and no rain forecast.

“The main reason for weed control is to knock down the pest plants like lantana and privet and get the tree seedlings established quickly so they can shade out the weeds if they are to come back.  

“The herbicides being used have been approved by the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority for this purpose. In fact, the chemicals in general are the same as those used by Bellingen Council around their parks and road edges. We have put in place large buffers so that we are not spraying right up to our neighbours or waterways.

“The area being treated is old farmland that was converted into productive eucalypt plantations back in 1968/69.  

“The plantation has now been harvested and we wish to give the new seedlings we’ll be planting every chance of success by controlling the weeds while the trees are little. Once the trees are established there will be no more weed spraying until it comes time to replant the site again after 30 years.

“We are not looking to upset or surprise anyone, which is why we have contacted all our neighbours. There is nothing unusual about what we are proposing – farmers all over Australia control weeds using helicopters.”