Additional contractors have been secured by the ACT government to mow grass around the city, with rampant growth due to the winter rain.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
City Services Minister Chris Steel said grass in the suburbs would be mown every four weeks and along arterial road areas every five weeks.
"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," he said.
The government is also providing this map to show where crews have mowed recently, and which areas are coming up next. It gets updated weekly.
Each mower covers an average of 68 hectares every four weeks.
Some mowing had started in August to help reduce the number of areas that require urgent attention. Planning had also been undertaken to factor in weekend work, if required, to meet demand.
"Additional contractors have been employed and are ready to hit the ground following the recent and further rainfall expected across the city," Mr Steel said.
"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.
"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."
More information on the ACT government mowing program is at cityservices.act.gov.au with a question and answer sheet.
The annual mowing season will continue throughout the spring and summer period, before being scaled back during autumn and winter.