Wet weather forces mowing in City of Moreton Bay to take a rain check

Published 14 January 2026

• City of Moreton Bay maintains more than 5,500 hectares of grass across the City’s open green spaces and parks
• Summer weather conditions make grass grow at a rapid rate, but can also make mowing unsafe due to the heavy machinery used
•  Council requires dry conditions to safely access and maintain local parks without causing damage, so mowing may be delayed

City of Moreton Bay maintains more than 5,500 hectares of grass across the City’s open green spaces and parks, working to keep them safe and enjoyable for everyone in the community.

Mowing is scheduled more regularly in the warmer months due to grass growing at a rapid rate, however the ground needs to be dry enough for heavy machinery to safely access and maintain.

Delays can occur after periods of rain when the ground is saturated, and Council adjusts the schedule until ground and weather conditions improve.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said wet weather conditions can make it difficult to safely mow parks and open spaces.

“Our dedicated crews and contractors work together to keep parks, sports fields, reserves and some road verges safe, welcoming and ready for everyone to enjoy.

“The summer climate brings rain, heat and humidity which create ideal conditions for rapid grass and plant growth.

“Wet weather not only makes grass grow faster but can also make mowing unsafe and delay our schedule. Even if the ground feels dry under foot, it may still be too damp for heavy machinery.”

To maintain the health of the grass and prevent long-term damage, Council’s operators minimise the impact of mowing equipment by assessing the conditions prior to starting.

Mowing machinery weighs over 750kg and when deployed on wet ground can cause ruts and damages to park surfaces, as well as leave grass poorly cut and unevenly spread.

If grass is too dry, mowing in this environment can create unpleasant dust and add to fire risks, impacting nearby residents and posing health and safety issues.

“Maintaining our parks and open spaces is a priority for Council, however mowing grass that is too wet or too dry can damage the soil and the grass itself.

“If you notice a green space in your local area that is overgrown, chances are it is due to recent or current wet weather conditions.

“Rest assured that once ground conditions improve, our crews will be back to keep these spaces looking their best,” Mayor Flannery said.

As part of Council’s commitment to “Going Green as We Grow”, two solar-powered ride-on mowers were purchased in 2022 to help maintain our parks and reduce emissions and noise impacts.

Mowing schedules may become backed up after periods of rain and Council works to ensure the missed areas are maintained in a timely manner, without neglecting the parks that are due for their scheduled service.