Roadside slashing program in full swing

Faced with the highest rates of vegetation growth in decades, Horsham Rural City Council’s Operations Team is progressing with its annual roadside slashing program ahead of summer.

Council has drafted in extra staff and hired an extra tractor to complete the scheduled slashing program across the municipality.

Exceptional growth, or regrowth, is being experienced in all parts of the district, thanks largely to October rain.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said staff were forced to take a cautious approach following wet conditions to ensure they limited surface damage and did not create wheel ruts.

But with warmer weather in November, slashing operations are now in full swing.

“Our roadside mowing team will be in the Natimuk and Mitre areas for the next week or so and then we will be heading south towards the Clear Lake and Nurrabiel areas,” Mr Bhalla said.

“Also during this time we will have a team tidying up areas on Horsham’s outskirts. Then the team will head off towards the Dadswells Bridge area.

“Our Operations Team reports that roadside pastures have not been this prolific for at least the past 20 years, and of course that is good news for our farmer’s and the region’s economy,” he said.

Mr Bhalla said now was also the time to be preparing private property for the season ahead.

“Preparing our private properties now is of utmost importance and there are many things you can do now, such as clearing out your gutters, mulching, mixing wet and dry leaves to compost and trying to remove any fuel that can dry out in summer. Coming up to and during fire season, the preferred height for grass is no longer than 10 centimetres,” Mr Bhalla said.

“It’s also the best time to be putting your fire plan together as a family. If that plan is to leave early, please remember that preparing your property is still important, to reduce risk for both yourself and your neighbours.”

Council has started inspections this month and will issue fire prevention notices where appropriate.

/Public Release. View in full here.