The City of Karratha is actively managing vegetation and maintaining public spaces to ensure they remain safe, clean and accessible for everyone. These works are programmed over the year to reduce growth and spread of weeds and grasses. Programs are adjusted seasonally depending on moisture and temperatures that promote seed germination, dispersal and additional growth; or dry conditions that present a higher fire risk.
Day to day weather conditions also impact the City’s program. Spraying herbicides in high wind conditions causes spray drift that may affect non-target plants. Therefore, control methods may need to switch to slashing. During total fire ban periods, machinery cannot be operated across dry grass areas that may present a fire risk. The City’s open drains may not be accessible to machinery when they contain water.
The City aims to maintain the presentation of its public places and will reschedule slashing works for upcoming events and to make areas more accessible for overflow parking. Every effort is made to reduce nuisance during slashing and to work around community activities and event bookings.
Below is an update on our ongoing spraying and slashing efforts:
Current works:
- Slashing at the Airport, followed by Baynton and Baynton West, including open spaces, road verges, drainage swales and residential verges.
- Spraying along Dampier Road verges, progressing next to Bayview Road.
- Hand-removal of Kapok and other weeds at Cleaverville Campground.
Upcoming works:
- Slashing crews will move through Nickol, Millars Well, Pegs Creek, Bulgarra, Roebourne, Wickham and Point Samson, with completion expected by the end of April.
- Weed treatment on the Dampier Road median (Searipple Road to Madigan Road) will take place at night during March to target perennial and annual weeds and minimise traffic disruption.
The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we continue to maintain and improve our public spaces.
If you have concerns about weed management, contact the Parks & Gardens team at: parksandgardens@karratha.wa.gov.au
For further information, please see our Glyphosate FAQs: https://karratha.wa.gov.au/environment/glyphosate-faqs