Council Mowing & Slashing Program Begins

Published on 26 November 2021

Council’s mowing and slashing program has commenced in earnest with contractors currently completing works in reserves and easements across Jamieson, Howqua, Goughs Bay, Mansfield, Bonnie Doon, Maindample and Merton.

Verge mowing of the Great Victorian Rail Trail is also about to start following on from the weed spraying already completed.

This year’s high rainfall has caused increased vegetation growth across the Shire. Council has commenced its fire preparations for the season by reducing fuel loads on reserves and easements and asking residents to prepare their properties ahead of the fire danger period.

Mayor James Tehan said Council took its responsibility to reduce the risk of wildfire in the community seriously.

“Increased vegetation across our Shire creates increased risk of grassfire. We have a schedule of works that ensure every easement and reserve is strategically mowed and slashed in time for warmer weather,” said Mayor Tehan.

Senior Coordinator Field Services Ari Croxford-Demasi said spring was a busy time for parks and gardens and road management across the Shire.

“The Field Services team has already completed approximately 40 kilometres of roadside and intersection mowing,” said Mr Croxford-Demasi.

“We maintain a large network of parks, gardens, road easements, reserves, ovals and other key community assets with a small team. This season has been demanding with the extra rain.”

Council’s roads maintenance and parks and gardens teams work together to carry out the preparations for the fire season, including mowing, slashing, brush cutting and spraying as well as general maintenance across the Shire. Additional contracting for mowing and slashing costs Council approximately $12,000 per year.