Concern was rampant on social media earlier this week, with many residents fearful of the dangers of Weedmaster Duo, the product to be used in the program on Thursday, May 20 and Friday, May 21 at the south end of Old Bar Beach.

Many referred to health concerns for residents and the environment as well as an ongoing legal battle in the United States in relation to the herbicide glyphosate.

The chemical has been debated publicly, with claims it can cause cancer in humans.

MidCoast Council said the product associated with the claims isn't used in their spraying program.

Council's program will use a product that contains glyphosate biactive and follows the recommendations of the Department of Envinronment and Conservation's 'Best Practice Guidelines for Aerial Spraying of Bitou Bush in NSW'.

The ingredient under the spotlight is polyethoxylated tallow amines which is in the original form of glyphosate. This form won't be used in the spraying at Old Bar.

MidCoast Council's Gerard Tuckerman said "aerial spraying for bitou bush has provided significant positive outcomes to our coastal environment."

"Our aerial spraying program for bitou bush is part of a long established, regulated and approved program.

"While we understand the community can be concerned about the use of chemicals in the environment, we do not use chemicals unless they are approved for such use by relevant authorities and do so in accordance with best practice management guidelines, to ensure maximum efficiencies and safety," Mr Tuckerman said.

He added council complies with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, which recently reaffirmed its stance on the use of products containing glyphosate.

"We regularly review our vegetation management program and are currently looking at options, where site conditions and growth patterns allow, to support our integrated pest management program," Mr Tuckerman said.

Old Bar Public School stated on Facebook they were aware of public concern of spraying near the town and school.

"Please be advised that the school principal and the P and C president are both in communication with the council about these safety concerns, and are also investigating whether any precautions need to take place at school the Thursday and Friday whilst the aerial spraying is in operation," the statement said.

The work will be carried out this week as beach use will be low. Other measures include exclusion zones at nearby public areas and no-spray zones near places such as schools and buildings.

Sections of the beach, nearby camping areas, car parks and roads will be off limits on the days the program is carried out.

The weed has appeared less frequently on the coast in recent years which, according to council, will ensure aerial spraying won't be needed in the future if control is continued.

The isn't the first time an aerial spraying program cause concern from the community.

Spraying for the Senegal tea plant in Gloucester, Barrington and Upper Manning last year raised question last October.

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