Over the last 4 – 6 weeks, the wider Lithgow area has been experience optimum growing conditions for grass and roadside vegetation. Wet nights and hot, sunny days have resulted in a significant growing season, stretching Council resources to its limits.

At this time, Lithgow City Council would like to remind the community that property owners (and tenants) are required to maintain both their nature strips and properties, vacant or otherwise, as Council lacks sufficient resources to effectively maintain these areas.

Where it is identified that this responsibility has not been met and there is a risk to public safety as a result, Council will contact land owners directly and follow due process under the Local Government Act 1993 to request improvement works be undertaken. Should there be a failure to comply with such reasonable requests, fines of up to $330 apply and Council will also effect the improvements to the nature strip or property, at the owners cost.

Council would also like to inform the community that it is investigating all options in order to increase its ability to maintain public spaces and road verges within the Lithgow area. With some machinery requiring repair, the hiring of new mowers and the contracting of mower repairs is being considered in order to best ensure Council’s own obligations in this regard are being met, in addition to those of the community.

Council acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of property owners/tenants for the maintenance of nature strips and properties during this growing season.