Parks Staff working hard to stay on top of mowing

With about 800 parks, gardens and recreation areas to mow and maintain, Fraser Coast Regional Council staff are working hard to stay ahead of the grass.

The recent rain and warm weather means the grass is growing - rapidly, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

And while the rain makes the grass grow, it also makes the ground soggy which slows mowing efforts.

“We have to wait for the soggy areas, especially flood-hit areas, to dry out otherwise the mowers bog up the ground damaging the turf and leaving a mess,” Cr Seymour said.

The Council has 79 outdoor parks and garden staff to maintain more than 800 parks, gardens and recreation areas across the Fraser Coast.

On the ground the Council has 40 ride-on mowers of various sizes in the mowing fleet.

“We also use contractors to slash roadsides and some of the larger open areas,” Cr Daniel Sanderson said.

“Even then it takes about four weeks for the staff to make one circuit of the region’s parks.

“Staff are also trying to clean up flood damage.

“While staff are going their hardest to get around, some parks may not be as manicured as they are normally.

“If your park is overgrown then I apologise, but we are doing our best.

“The parks are on a mowing schedule and we physically cannot get around any faster.”