Spring has sprung and with it comes the promise of a relentless opponent as warmer days, higher humidity and periods of rain drive grass growth across the 8,500 hectares maintained by council’s crews.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said the task ahead for the city’s mowing crews should not be underestimated.
“This is go time for our crews, the busiest and most challenging time of the year for keeping on top of mowing and gardening,” Cr Madden said.
“Grass grows five to six times faster in spring and summer than in winter.
“The numbers are quite staggering with council crews maintaining 8,500 hectares – that’s equivalent to 7,600 Suncorp Stadium playing fields.
“That includes 643 parks and reserves, and 32 sporting venues.
“The job is much more than parks and sporting fields, with Ipswich one of few councils to also maintain major thoroughfares, urban footpaths outside private properties, drains and roadside verges.
“Council’s mowing crews are fit, ready and eager to tackle the opponents of fast-growing grass, warm weather and rain on the fields.”
Cr Madden said council had launched a new initiative leading into this year’s grass growing season to improve communication with residents.
“New information signs will be added to council’s toolkit to help communicate more effectively with local communities about mowing at local parks,” Cr Madden said.
“The signs will be placed at parks following rain events, to let the community know the ground is too wet to mow.
“This new initiative complements our existing mowing schedule map, which is available on council’s website and shows when a park is next due for attention.”
Cr Madden said the mowing frequency for most parks and fields during grass growing season was between two and three weeks, however during and following rain events those timeframes may be extended.
“The safety and wellbeing of council crews is a priority for council and if an area is too waterlogged it is simply unsafe to mow,” Cr Madden said.
“Just like a soggy oval might postpone a finals match, council’s mowers must wait on the sidelines until the ground has dried out and is safe to mow.
“We thank the community in advance for its understanding and patience.”
Peak grass growing season is between October to January.
View the Ipswich City Council mowing schedule map at https://maps.ipswich.qld.gov.au/mowing