‘Below the standard’: Dampier vegetation management under way following backlash from community

The City of Karratha is changing the way weeding is done in Dampier after receiving backlash over the condition of some public areas.

The change will be implemented in three stages, with the first already under way, focusing on footpaths and road verges to improve pedestrian access, reduce vegetation and fuel loads and undertake follow-up weed control.

The next stage will target vegetation growth, weeds and the general presentation of the town’s residential areas, with stage three set to see the city hire experienced contractors to improve Dampier’s drains and gullies.

The council will also implement tree pruning throughout the program using the city’s existing tree services contractor, addressing several requests from the Dampier community.

A city spokesman said the council acknowledged certain areas in Dampier were below the community’s standards.

“The City of Karratha acknowledges the frustration within the Dampier community about weeds and vegetation across parts of town and recognises that some areas are currently below the standard the community expects,” the spokesman said.

“Our focus now is on progressively improving the safety and presentation of Dampier and bringing the town back to the standard our community expects.

“Following completion of these works, Dampier will return to the city’s regular vegetation and weed management program to ensure it is maintained to a consistent standard into the future.”

Looking ahead, additional seasonal works are scheduled for Roebourne to hand-remove kapoc from verges and for spraying wider open areas such as Dampier road verges.

The city will soon commence removal of an important environmental weed leuceana in drainage reserves, with ongoing works for removing palm “pups” and significant weed plants that can infest drainage corridors.