How Council manages roadside vegetation
Council carries out roadside slashing and targeted weed spraying to manage vegetation, improve visibility and road safety, and help reduce fire risk.
What the work involves
Slashing: Grass and vegetation are cut along selected road edges and verges. The usual first pass is at least 1.2 metres wide, with vegetation cut to a generally even height of no more than 100 mm. Where required, Council may direct crews to slash a wider area.
Weed spraying: Herbicide is applied selectively along treated road shoulders, generally across a strip about 2 metres wide. Crews use an aquatic-use-approved glyphosate product. Contractors are instructed not to add surfactants. All contractors have the required qualifications to carry out this type of work, this is verified annually.
Where and when work occurs
The usual roadside vegetation program runs from September to March. The exact timing for each road depends on vegetation growth, weather, fire restrictions, access and other operational conditions. This means crews may not work in every area at the same time, and schedules can change at short notice.
Our process
- Council identifies roads and roadside areas requiring slashing, weed spraying, or both.
- Approved contractors receive the works schedule, safety requirements and current No Spray Register information.
- Crews assess conditions and put appropriate traffic-management measures in place before work begins.
- Slashing and spraying are completed to Council’s requirements, subject to weather, fire restrictions and safe operating conditions.
- Contractors record completed work so Council can monitor the annual program.
Safety and traffic management
Crews use traffic-management measures, including shadow vehicles where required, and work in accordance with relevant safety and traffic-control requirements. Slashing does not take place on days declared a Total Fire Ban by the Tasmania Fire Service. Work may also be postponed when weather or site conditions make it unsafe.
No Spray Register
Council maintains a No Spray Register for properties with an approved permit covering defined roadside areas. Contractors receive the current register before spraying and must observe all recorded no-spray boundaries.
No Spray Register Applications – Kingborough Council
Monitoring and records
- Slashing records identify the road or section completed, the date, vehicle used, and start and finish times.
- Spraying records also capture weather conditions, product and batch details, application information, equipment calibration, and areas not sprayed.
- Council uses these records to monitor completion and compliance with the annual program.
What the public may notice
Motorists and nearby residents may see roadside maintenance vehicles, traffic-control vehicles and temporary signs or controls. Please slow down, follow traffic directions and give crews enough space to work safely.
