Council has received several queries recently in relation to its regular mowing program.
There have been interruptions to the regular mowing program across several towns in recent months. These interruptions have primarily arisen from prolonged wet weather limiting safe and effective mowing windows, constraints around staff and contractor availability, and the necessary prioritisation of safety-critical and high-use sites during periods of rapid turf growth.
From a turf management perspective, mowing under unsuitable conditions risks long-term damage to soil structure, turf health, and surface performance, and therefore postponement has at times been the responsible course of action.
To address this, we are actively developing and implementing a structured mowing and weed-management strategy, with forward planning and clearly defined rotations. This approach will provide consistency, accountability, and predictability, ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and community expectations are met.
The intention is not merely to resume mowing, but to establish a reliable, well-managed program that reflects best-practice standards in public open-space maintenance.
Over the coming weeks, this strategy will be finalised and rolled out. It will deliver a regular mowing schedule across all towns, with sporting ovals, parks, and high-use public spaces receiving priority. Once seasonal growth rates stabilise and conditions allow, mowing frequencies will return to best-practice intervals—typically every two weeks during periods of active growth.
We recognise that the reduced level of service during this period has caused understandable concern within the community. The assistance provided by local volunteers, particularly in maintaining key spaces such as Strahan Recreation Ground, is sincerely acknowledged and appreciated. Their efforts have helped bridge a difficult period and reinforce the strong sense of local stewardship for these assets.
In relation to queries around Council staff attending sites that had been mowed in early January by local volunteers, this was to address several outstanding issues.
There was a significant amount of loose mulch and grass encroaching onto the footpaths, which required attention for both safety and presentation reasons. In addition, the mowing that had occurred was inconsistent in places, with some areas cut very shallow and others unevenly, resulting in an untidy overall appearance. There were also sections with dead plant material that needed to be managed.
Council’s works were undertaken to ensure the area was left in a safe, clean, and consistent condition, in line with Council’s maintenance standards.
We appreciate the efforts of local community members and volunteers and thank them for their contribution.
In summary, while recent conditions have posed challenges, a consistent, effective, and community-responsive mowing program is being re-established, and residents can expect noticeable improvement in the coming weeks as the planned schedule takes effect.
Queries and requests can be directed to the Council Office, or via the online Make a Request form.