In response to the recent wet weather, the ACT Government will pilot a rapid mowing response team.

Ten new staff across three teams will be added. This one-year pilot will test the rapid response model for possible future expansion. 

This follows an additional $1.2 million invested for surge mowing during the previous wet year.

“A changing climate means we need to adapt and build resilience,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services. “That’s why we are trying new ways to keep providing great city services and respond to the community’s needs to keep our city beautiful and safe.”

The ACT Government will also expand the City Services Holder depot: 11 staff in the growing urban treescapes unit so 54,000 more trees can be planted by 2024.

The facilities will ensure the City Services team can weed, pick up litter, and clean local shops as Canberra’s newer communities like the Molonglo Valley grow. 

The Holder depot works will include toilet facilities accessible for the Weston Valley Archery Club on the same block.

“Planting 54,000 more trees by 2024 is no small job,” Mr Steel said. “A bigger and better Holder depot will ensure we’ve got the facilities to deliver this program, while also improving shared facilities for the adjacent archery club at the same time.”

Through the 2022-23 Budget, the ACT Government will continue investing in city maintenance program to keep Canberra beautiful.

“We continue to invest in our city, in infrastructure that is built for Canberra, to ensure that the Canberra of 2030 continues to be one of the most liveable cities in the world,” said Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

“Canberrans are rightly proud of the suburb they live in, and the ACT Government will continue to respond to population growth by investing in our city services.”