With spring finally here Canberrans will start to notice our city maintenance crews out and about with the beginning of the annual mowing program which helps maintain the look and safety of the city.
“Throughout the mowing program, suburbs will be mown every four weeks and arterial road areas mown every five weeks,” Minister for City Services Chris Steel commented “Last season mowing was only done on an as needs basis due to the lack of rainfall. This season is expected to be different, with recent wet weather and more forecast to come which will intensify grass growth across Canberra.”
Minister Steel explained that Mowing crews are well prepared to tackle the expected grass growth. Each mowing pass across the city is 4,749 hectares with each mower covering an average of 68 hectares every four weeks. The Minister pointed out that some mowing activity has already commenced during August to help minimise the number of areas that require urgent attention. Planning has also been undertaken to factor in weekend work, if required, to meet demand.
Minister Stell said that since last season, additional training has been completed and all crews are trained in how to operate the full range of machinery in the mowing fleet which consists of 70 mowers in a variety of sizes from the spider mower used for steeper ground to the Trimax Pegasus for large open space areas and some sportsgrounds.
“Additional contractors have been employed and are ready to hit the ground following the recent and further rainfall expected across the city,” Minister Steel commented “If warmer weather produces conditions conducive to widespread and rapid grass growth, crews will prioritise mowing to maintain safety including ensuring line of sight along roads and essential access is maintained. This would result in a patchwork effect, but it is necessary to ensure critical mowing is completed.”
The Minister clarified that rainfall can also mean mowing needs to be postponed and, if that is the case, crews will install, “Be Right Back” signage to notify the community that the area is too wet to mow. Mowing for fire fuel reduction on the urban edge will not be undertaken until grass is dried and subject to seasonal conditions but is expected to get underway closer to summer.
