Why is the grass so long?
Extraordinary levels of rainfall between September and December, caused by La Niña weather patterns, result in excessive grass growth. The saturated ground makes it unsafe for our mowers to be used without getting bogged or causing significant damage to the ground.
Our crews are working at best they can to address any backlog.
How often is grass mowed?
It depends on the type of mowing. There are four levels of mowing:
- High profile - fortnightly for our preschools and other key facilities.
- Amenity - monthly for all open space parks, sporting oval surrounds and foreshores where the Shire is the Committee of Management.
- Slashing – four to seven times per year. These locations are usually rural roadsides and bushland reserves.
- Sports fields – weekly with senior couch grounds twice a week. (season dependant)
Why does mowing sometimes fall behind schedule?
Believe us when we say, we want to stay on track but there are things that make it difficult. Weather, Total Fire Ban days, community events and staff leave are all factors that can impact our mowing schedule. We always try to look ahead and predict any potential issues and make adjustments to our mowing schedule as required, but sometimes factors outside of our control impact our ability to cut the grass in time.
Why can’t handheld equipment be used in wet conditions?
Most of our parks and spaces across the Peninsula are very large areas and need ride-on mowing equipment. ‘High profile’ and ‘amenity’ mowing locations have scheduled brush-cutting for the fine mowing around furniture, signs and other infrastructure.
When can I expect the area near me to be mowed?
Check the mowing schedule map and calendar (above) to check when an area near you is scheduled to be mowed.
When should I report long grass?
If our team have not been to the site within 7 days of the scheduled date, please let us know by following the 'Report a concern' steps (above).
What locations are considered urgent?
Various factors affect priority locations, which can include:
- Event locations
- Busy parks and reserves
- Long grass along rural roadsides during Declared Fire Period
- Long grass behind properties in Shire reserves
Shire works will not be prioritised in response to snake and rodent sightings.
Why are some areas not maintained by Council?
Not all open space across the Peninsula is managed by the Shire. Some parks and roadsides may be the responsibility of other agencies including Parks Vic, VicRoads or Committee of Managements.
To find out which areas are Shire managed, view our grass map.
Why not nature strips?
Homeowners or their tenants are responsible for their nature strip’s maintenance and upkeep. The Shire does not carry out maintenance on nature strips except where we plant street trees which are cared for and maintained by the Shire.
Visit our nature strip page for more information.
How do I determine if the Shire is the land manger?
Use our grass map to see who's responsible for managing an area of land.
How does the Shire manage the roadside slashing/fire management program?
Fire management works are carried out in Fire Management Zones, which are generally located around reserve boundaries, next to Shire facilities and in high bushfire risk areas. Fire Management Zones are inspected to assess the overall fuel hazard level and to identify if works are required to reduce the fuel hazard to below the acceptable limit.
How do I report a problem?
Visit our Report a problem page to report a drainage issue, road maintenance issue, pothole, dumped waste, street lighting fault, street bin issue and much more.
How can I help?
Some roads and public spaces are not managed by the Shire so it's important to check who is the land manager for your enquiry. If you think it's a Shire responsibility, check the works program and the next scheduled mow.
If you’re still concerned, please Report It
We have safety requirements in place for our contractors to follow when mowing to minimise risk to themselves and our community. Our aim is to have great public spaces for everyone to use.
Want to join the mowing team?
If you would like some more information on joining our mowing team, please contact us at: recruitment@skoutsolutions.com