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. Every effort is made to reduce nuisance during slashing and spraying, and to work around community activities and event bookings.
Below is an update on our ongoing spraying and slashing efforts:
Post-cyclone recovery
The City is nearing completion of recovery works following Tropical Cyclones Mitchel and Narelle, with crews now focused on increasing weed control, tree reinstatements, remedial tree pruning and clearing away tree debris. Back-to-back cyclones in February and March created warm, wet conditions that significantly accelerated weed growth. As a result, areas such as verges, pathways and drains have experienced rapid regrowth, reducing the visible impact of initial treatments and requiring additional works this season.
Spraying and slashing program
- Mechanical slashing across Karratha residential and industrial areas is being completed in the final weeks of May, with a complete fourth annual set service commencing thereafter.
- Sportsgrounds have responded well to final treatments for broadleaf, crow’s foot, and crab grass, with light fertilising undertaken during the last weeks of May.
- The weed spraying program is halted due to current windy conditions, other than localised spot spraying in gardens and turf.
- Weed control in the Bayview Road overflow caravan park and Pegs Creek drainage areas was completed in the first week of May.
- Nature-based campgrounds and overflow caravan areas were prepared ahead of the 1 May camping season, with ongoing weed management supporting native vegetation regeneration.
Additional measures, including manual removal of weeds such as Kapok, Caltrop and Leucaena, are undertaken in heavily affected areas.
During school holidays, weed control is prioritised around school access routes and ovals. Over the coming weeks, major sporting ovals will receive autumn weed treatments and liquid fertiliser.
Upcoming works
- A fourth annual set service of slashing will recommence on road verges on the eastern side of Karratha, followed by a second round addressing drains and open areas.
- Road verge mowing will move from the Airport, Baynton West and east wards to Bulgarra and onto industrial areas and eastern towns.
- This standard service is supplemented with localised slashing and other priority weed control by City teams and contractors.
- The first round of slashing will take around four weeks, weather permitting.
- The second round of the fourth set service will address drains and open areas, again working west to east.
Works in May and June aims to manage cyclone promoted regrowth, seed set and drying conditions.
The City is also progressing a slashing services tender to supplement existing resources during periods of accelerated growth. We appreciate 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