The ACT’s annual mowing season has begun, with the ACT Government’s mowing fleet taking to Canberra’s suburbs to maintain road verges, parks and public spaces.
The dry winter period means the mowing season has started late, with the undertaking usually beginning in around September each year.
“An unseasonably dry winter period delayed the start of the ACT Government mowing season, however with recent November rainfall, Canberrans will start to see our mowing fleet in action on our road verges and other grassed areas in our parks and public spaces,” said Director of City Presentation at Transport Canberra and City Services, Stephen Alegria.
“The community will have noticed that sporadic mowing has continued throughout winter and into spring as our teams have continued to keep untidy areas in check. This reflects the high level of importance we put on keeping Canberra looking its best.”
Canberra’s suburbs will continue be mowed on a four-weekly schedule during peak growth times, thanks to additional funding in the 2018-19 ACT Budget.
Mr Alegria said the ACT Government places a high level of importance on maintaining grasses across the city, “not only because it keeps our city looking well-presented, but also because it ensures public safety”.
“I’d like to remind all Canberra residents that they are responsible for mowing the nature strip that adjoins their property and I urge them to help us and do their part in keeping Canberra looking its best.”
Mr Alegria also reminded Canberrans about the importance of garden maintenance during the ACT bushfire season.
“Mowing isn’t just about making our city look good, with our teams undertaking three types of mowing: arterial road mowing, suburb mowing and fire hazard reduction mowing, which is an integral part of the ACT’s bushfire preparedness strategy,” he said.
In August, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) brought the official start of the bushfire season forward to 1 September from 1 October.
The Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate has urged Canberrans to dispose of their garden waste appropriately this summer, using either the green waste bins or visiting garden waste drop-off points.
New ACT Auditor-General
Michael Harris has been appointed as the new ACT Auditor-General on a seven-year term, to commence on 8 February 2019.
Mr Harris has been the Board Chair of Metro Tasmania since 2013, and from 2017 has been the Independent Chair of the Review of the Tasmanian Fire Service Act. Mr Harris’ previous experience in the ACT was as Chief Executive of the ACT Chief Minister’s Department from 2003 to 2009 and ACT Under Treasurer from 2002 to 2003.
Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly Joy Burch MLA said Mr Harris brings a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors, and looks forward to welcoming him to the role.
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