Each year, starting in spring, we carry out a large program of mowing, slashing and fire hazard management across the region.
From October to January, we visit all council-owned land to manage vegetation and reduce fire risks. This includes areas like bush reserves, fire trails, rural roadsides and other natural spaces.
Here in Clarence, we are fortunate to have more than 70 regional parks, 1400 hectares of bushland, 300 kilometres of fire trails, 150 kilometres of walking trails and 191 kilometres of coastline. That means there is a lot of ground to cover during the spring season when plants and grasses grow quickly.
While things like weather can affect our schedule, our teams work hard to make sure priority areas are completed by end of January.
Near the end of the program, we go back and check all areas again and revisit any spots where vegetation has grown back quickly.
Mowing and slashing usually happen in stages. We start along fence lines, move into the middle areas, then return to clean up. This means the work in one area may take place over a few days.
Live updates
Suburbs in order of schedule:
- Warrane
- Risdon Vale
- Geilston Bay, Lindisfarne and Bellerive
- Otago
- Montagu Bay
- Rosny
- Howrah North
- Mt Rumney and Richmond
- Howrah South and Tranmere
- Sandford and South Arm
- Oakdowns and Rokeby
- Seven Mile Beach, Lauderdale and Cremorne
Roadsides
Council-owned rural roadsides are slashed once a year and this work is done by a contractor.
The primary purpose of roadside slashing is to ensure clear sight lines for drivers, signage visibility, drain maintenance, safe pedestrian passage and fire safety. The basic mowing and slashing work utilises large machinery to minimise traffic disruptions and roadsides are not maintained to the same standard of sportsgrounds, parks and reserves.
See the full list of council-owned rural roads here (PDF).
Suburbs in order of schedule:
| Suburb | Completed |
| Richmond-Cambridge | |
| Acton | |
| Mt Rumney-Rokeby | |
| Otago Bay | |
| South Arm |
There are also several major roads which are managed by the state government (see list here) or are private roads managed by the land owner.
Roadsides in urban areas are considered Nature Strips and these are managed by the property owner – see Nature Strips page.
Natural Areas
Some areas in Clarence are on a reduced mowing schedule during this time, to protect biodiversity values and assist native grasses and wildflowers to flourish.
Signs are erected at these locations with reduced mowing to advise the community and more information is available here – Reduced mowing to support native grasses and wildflowers – City of Clarence