Ashfield gets verges mowed, all Inner West to be able to plant verges
Thursday, 4 July 2019
All residents of the Inner West Council area will be able to relax knowing that their verges will be mowed by Council, following a decision to harmonise the level of service provided across the local government area, and expand the service to Ashfield for the first time.
Main streets will be swept seven days a week across the three areas, while the verge maintenance cycle will vary throughout the year to match the season and the verge growth rate.
Ashfield Ward Councillor Julie Passas, who moved the resolution, said that expanding the verge mowing services to those living in the former Ashfield Council area created a level playing field for everyone.
“Ashfield residents have been crying out for verge mowing, and staff and the supporting councillors are to be commended for backing the extension of this service to all of our residents,” she said.
“This is an accountable Council working in the best interests of the ratepayers.”
Council is also investing in new equipment such as ride-on mowers, which have proved to be a cheaper and more efficient way to mow verges.
Verges will be mowed every 20 days from November to March and every 40 days in the cooler months of April to October.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne also moved that a hot spot team be on hand to mow verges that have growth spurts in between their scheduled mows.
“This new service level will ensure that verges are kept tidy, and will also save ratepayers $875,000 a year,” he said.
Council will also develop an Inner West Street Gardens Policy which allows residents to plant and maintain the verge in front of their property.
“Sustainable Streets has been a really popular Council initiative,” said Mayor Byrne.
“We’ve listened to requests to expand it across the Inner West, and we’re now developing a policy so we can deliver it.
“As more properties take up verge planting, it will all come together to lower street temperatures, increase property values and create a better lifestyle for the inner west. Overall, it’s good for public amenity.”
The expanded verge mowing services will begin late 2019.
More information about the Sustainable Streets program available here: www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/environment-and-sustainability/living-sustainably/sustainable-streets
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For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, phone +61 2 9392 5334, email Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au