Ashfield Ward Councillor Julie Passas, who moved the resolution, said that expanding the verge mowing services to those living in the former Ashfield Council area, created a level playing field for everyone.
“Ashfield residents have been crying out for verge mowing, and staff and the supporting councillors are to be commended for backing the extension of this service to all of our residents,” she said.
“This is an accountable council working in the best interests of the ratepayers.”
Main streets will be swept seven days a week across the three areas, while the verge maintenance cycle will vary throughout the year to match the season and the verge growth rate.
The council is also investing in new equipment such as ride-on mowers, which have proved to be a cheaper and more efficient way to mow verges.
Verges will be mowed every 20 days from November to March and every 40 days in the cooler months of April to October.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne also moved that a hot spot team be on hand to mow verges that have growth spurts in between their scheduled mows.
The council will also develop an Inner West Street Gardens Policy which allows residents to plant and maintain the verge in front of their property.
“Sustainable Streets has been a really popular council initiative,” Mayor Byrne said.
“As more properties take up verge planting, it will all come together to lower street temperatures, increase property values and create a better lifestyle for the Inner West.
“Overall, it’s good for public amenity.”
All verge mowing
ALL residents of the Inner West will be able to relax knowing that their verges will be mowed by the council, following a decision to expand the service to Ashfield for the first time.