Grass slashing and mowing is back underway this week along the South Eastern Freeway after growing community concern about fire danger through the region.
Many residents have been voicing their worries in online forums including social media community groups in recent weeks, with Independent candidate for Hammond Airlie Keen and Independent candidate for Kavel Matt Shultz both stepping up pressure on the State Government to act before the peak of summer.
The State Government says crews have been brought back in earlier than planned, after above average spring rainfall led to faster than expected vegetation growth along the busy freight and commuter route.
In a statement, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Emily Bourke said the timing had been adjusted in response to conditions.
“The State Government undertook an initial round of mowing in November and December to reduce the vegetation along the South Eastern Freeway, while a second round was scheduled to commence in January,” the statement said.
“This second round has been brought forward and mowing is now underway after above average rainfall in the Adelaide Hills caused vegetation to grow back faster than normal.”
The work is expected to take between two and three weeks to complete.
Spring rainfall data backs up the government’s explanation, with Mount Lofty recording the highest seasonal total in the state, 346 millimetres across the three months.
Advocates say reducing fuel loads along the freeway is critical, particularly with heavy traffic, steep terrain and dense vegetation increasing the risk of roadside fires spreading quickly.
