The ACT Government has extended its annual mowing program through to mid-May 2026, following an unusually wet and warm autumn that has driven rapid grass growth across Canberra's public spaces.
Typically running from September to March, the mowing season has been prolonged this year to ensure public areas remain safe, accessible and well-maintained.
"The extension will allow mowing crews to manage increased workloads caused by recent weather conditions. The late rainfall and warmer-than-usual autumn conditions have led to significant grass growth across the ACT," Acting Executive Branch Manager of City Presentation Sue Marriage said.
"Our crews are working hard to get on top of areas that have been difficult to access during periods of wet weather, and we're extending the season to make sure this work can continue," Ms Marriage said.
Due to the rapid and thick growth, many locations are requiring multiple passes to effectively clear grass, particularly in areas with denser grass types. As a result, some sites may not be mown to the usual standard while crews work through the backlog.
"We're prioritising mowing in areas where line of sight and safety are most critical, such as roadsides, intersections and high-use public spaces," Ms Marriage said.
"To get through the backlog as quickly as possible, some areas may not receive the same finish people are used to, but this approach ensures we're addressing safety first.
"The extended season will also be delivered differently this year, with mowing rolled out in phases rather than across full suburbs at once. This approach allows teams to respond more flexibly to conditions on the ground.
"The safety of our community is our top priority, which is why we're taking a phased approach to the end of the mowing season. We understand this may cause some inconvenience, and we thank Canberrans for their patience and understanding," Ms Marriage said.
The ACT Government has also acknowledged that current fuel supply challenges are impacting some contractors' ability to undertake additional work.
Residents are encouraged to report any urgent safety concerns in public spaces via Fix My Street.
People can also check when their area is scheduled to be mown by visiting the City Services website.
Ms Marriage thanked mowing crews for their continued efforts in challenging conditions.
"Our teams are doing an outstanding job in what has been a very wet and demanding season. We ask the community to please be kind and respectful to our crews as they work hard to keep Canberra safe and well-maintained," Ms Marriage said.
