Roadside slashing program starts soon

Published on 20 September 2023

Mount Alexander Shire Council will be starting its annual roadside slashing program this October, which is expected to continue until Christmas.

Council slashes vegetation along the road shoulder of the majority of Council-managed sealed roads and rural intersections in the lead up to the Fire Danger Period each year.

Slashing vegetation along roadsides reduces the risk of grass fires when cars pull over onto the side of the road. It also improves safety for road users by creating clearer lines of sight for road users.

Over the next three months Council’s team will progress through Maldon, Newstead, Guildford, Harcourt, Sutton Grange, Metcalfe and Taradale.

Procedures are in place to identify areas of high value vegetation and to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.

Council’s team regularly cleans down and washes equipment to remove seeds in areas of known weed outbreaks. This may be up to six times a day in certain areas.

Council works with the CFA to understand areas of fire risk and the team takes weather conditions into account when planning the day’s work.

Please take care if you see the teams out and about as they are operating heavy equipment. We encourage you to drive carefully as you overtake, and of course give them a wave when you see them. 

Find more information on our Roadside Slashing Program including an interactive map on our Fire prevention program page.