City of Geraldton expecting to spend $1.3 million on verge mowing after record rainfall leads to growth boom

The old saying that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence has never rung more true than on road verges in the Mid West.

Record rainfall throughout winter has resulted in an explosion of growth on verges, with Geraldton locals sometimes being dwarfed by long grass and shrubs.

It has meant the City of Geraldton expects to spend a whopping $1.3 million chopping back and mowing the verges.

City chief executive Ross McKim said that while the rain had led to a wonderful windflower season, it has proved a challenge to its workers with close to 1640km of overgrown verges needing to be cleared.

“Unlike many other local governments around Australia, the city prides itself on being able to provide an annual verge mowing service for residents which keeps Greater Geraldton looking neat and tidy as well as mitigating fire risk over the summer months,” he said.

“Having started back in July, we anticipate this round of mowing works to be completed by the end of December and we commend our Parks Team and contractors for all their hard work.”

Mr McKim also thanked the community for their patience while the work was carried out.

Along with the $1.3 million put aside for clearing the verges, additional funds have also been allocated for grass maintenance around buildings, parks and nature reserves.

Major transport corridors such as Brand and North West Coastal highways and Chapman Road will also have the verges cut back.

Owners of vacant blocks are required to clear their land, slashing shrubs to a maximum height of 7.5cm in preparation for the bushfire season. The work should be done by October 4.

Geraldton smashed its 20-year standing rainfall record between June and August, with 386.8mm falling.