We know many residents want to see less chemical use in the community, and so do we — that’s why we’re taking a more targeted approach this year. Some residents have already taken the initiative to clear weeds from the footpath in front of their home so it doesn’t need spraying. It’s exactly the kind of help that makes a difference.
What to expect this spraying season
Council will begin this year’s footpath spraying program on Monday, 5 October 2026, starting in Cygnet before moving through Huonville, Franklin, Geeveston and Dover. In each township, crews will start at the town centre and work their way outward. Smaller towns may only take a day to work through, while others may take 2-3 days (weather permitting).
Crews will:
- only spray where weeds are growing, instead of spraying every footpath
- skip footpath joints unless weeds are growing there
- leave the back edge of footpaths unsprayed
Why we spray
Weeds growing in footpaths, particularly in expansion joints, can lift and crack the surface over time, causing damage to assets and creating trip and slip hazards for everyone who relies on our footpaths for walking, wheeling or pushing prams. Spraying keeps footpaths clear and safe to use, and it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to manage vegetation across our extensive footpath network.
How you can help
If keeping glyphosate away from your property matters to you, staying on top of the footpath out front is the most effective way to do it. We ask residents to work with us through this growing season as we look for ways to limit chemical use wherever we can.
Questions
If you have any questions about the footpath spraying program, please get in touch with Council.
Note: Council also undertakes an annual spray program of rural road verges in Spring. For information about this program and how to avoid having your roadside verge sprayed visit: Management of vegetation in council road reserves – Huon Valley Council
Below are examples of unkept footpaths that will be sprayed during the program.
