Managing roadside vegetation is an important part of keeping our community safe, attractive, and environmentally responsible. With over 700 kilometres of road network across the Huon Valley, Council undertakes regular vegetation management such as mowing, pruning, and targeted herbicide spraying to help maintain safe, usable, and sustainable roadside environments.
Controlling weeds along public footpaths, drains, and roadside verges is part of Council’s legislative responsibility under the Local Government (Local Highways) Act 1982, to keep our community areas clear, safe, and well maintained.
Purpose of Council’s annual roadside spray program
Council’s roadside spray program helps protect public safety and maintain accessibility by managing grass and weeds along roadsides. Regular roadside spraying helps to:
- Reduce fire hazards
- Improve visibility for drivers
- Ensure roadside drains flow freely during wet weather
Council’s Nature Strip and Road Reserves Policy
In January 2025, Council adopted the Nature Strip and Road Reserves Policy to provide clear guidance for residents and property owners about maintaining urban nature strips and rural road reserves.
The policy aims to protect and improve:
- Public safety
- Local amenity
- Biodiversity
Urban and rural roadside spraying
Urban and suburban areas
- Council does not spray residential nature strips.
Residents are still required to maintain their nature strips to an appropriate standard. - Spraying in these areas is limited to Council infrastructure, such as footpaths, kerbs, and gutters, to control weeds that affect public infrastructure.
- Council may, however, undertake spot spraying of declared or high-priority weeds if their removal is required under state legislation.
Rural areas
- Herbicide spraying targets grass and weeds along road shoulders and verges where vegetation growth can obstruct sight lines, interfere with drainage, or pose a safety risk.
- Residents can opt out of roadside herbicide spraying on rural roads only if their verge is well maintained.
What does “well-maintained” mean?
To qualify as “well-maintained”:
- Grass and weeds must be kept under 200mm in height
- Maintenance should extend within 2 metres of the road shoulder, or to the boundary fence if closer
If vegetation exceeds this height or creates safety issues, spraying may still occur to ensure road safety compliance.
From “No Spray Register” to “Spray Program Notification Register”
Previously, property owners could apply to be listed on a No Spray Register to prevent roadside spraying. However, Council still needed to treat areas where vegetation was not adequately controlled.
Under the new policy, the No Spray Register has been replaced by a Spray Program Notification Register, which provides better transparency and places greater emphasis on responsible verge maintenance.
How the Spray Program Notification Register works
Residents wishing to receive advance notice of spraying can join the Spray Program Notification Register.
Registered residents will:
- Receive email or letter reminders before the spray program begins.
- Have the opportunity to ensure their verge is compliant.
- Stay informed about Council’s roadside vegetation management schedule.
Download a copy of the Roadside Spray Program and Notification Register factsheet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Council spray nature strips in town?
No. Council does not spray nature strips in urban or suburban areas. Spraying in these areas is limited to Council-owned infrastructure such as footpaths, kerbs, and gutters.
Where does Council carry out roadside spraying?
Spraying targeting verges is undertaken only on rural roads to manage vegetation near road shoulders.
Can I stop Council spraying near my property?
Yes. Rural residents can avoid spraying if they maintain their verge (grass under 200mm)
I’m on the spray program notification register, why might my verge still be sprayed?
Even if your property is listed on the Notification Register, Council may still spray your verge where:
- Declared or high-priority weeds require removal under state legislation.
- The verge poses a safety risk due to overgrowth or sight line obstruction.
What herbicide does Council use?
Council currently uses Cropmaster 450 (glyphosate) for roadside spraying in rural areas and limited urban infrastructure maintenance.
All herbicide use is carried out by trained staff who comply with strict safety protocols and state regulatory guidelines.
Methods may include:
- Broad application for general control
- Spot spraying or cut-and-paste methods for declared or priority weeds
Council continues to:
- Reduce chemical use wherever possible
- Monitor and trial alternative weed control methods
- Adopt non-chemical solutions where they are practical and cost-effective
Can I stop Council spraying near my property?
Yes. Rural residents can avoid spraying if they maintain their verge (grass under 200mm)