The ACT Government has spent $1.2 million from the 2022-23 Budget to pilot a rapid response mowing team that will target mowing hotspots reported by the community.

The team’s inaugural run marks the start of Canberra’s annual mowing program, revving up from September to March.

“This year’s mowing program is kicking off in the face of yet another La Nina weather cycle with vigorous grass growth expected,” said Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel.

Mr Steel noted that the 10-person rapid response team was formulated to adapt to the changing climate and add to the existing mowing capacity where extra maintenance is needed throughout the season, ensuring these hotspots are responded to more quickly.

The community can report an area that requires maintenance by the rapid response mowers by completing an online form via Fix My Street.

Reported sites will be inspected to determine whether they fall to the response team, or within the programming of regular crews, which attend to suburbs every four weeks and arterial roads every five weeks.

“We’ve also invested in an updated fleet including 12 replacement mowers and a new electric mower to trial zero emissions technology,” Mr Steel said.

There are now 81 mowers in the updated fleet.

When mowing season is in full operation, GPS systems will be used to populate a live mowing map that will show where crews have been and where they are intending to mow in the coming weeks.

All mowers have had a pre-season mechanical service and safety compliance check completed.

The mowing map and more information on the ACT Government mowing program will be available from Monday 5 September.

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