Residents across Melbourne’s west are being warned to prepare for possible tumbleweed impacts over summer, following higher-than-average rainfall in spring and early summer.
The City of Melton has advised that tumbleweed events could occur anywhere in the municipality in the coming months, particularly during periods of strong wind. Similar incidents in previous years have affected suburbs including Hillside, Aintree, Eynesbury and Kurunjang, where dried weeds were blown into residential yards and onto local roads.
Council said tumbleweeds typically originate from large private properties with significant weed overgrowth. Officers are currently working with landowners to manage problem weeds such as serrated tussock and reduce the likelihood of further events.
Residents whose properties are impacted are encouraged to report incidents via council’s Tumbleweed Enquiry form, which is monitored after hours, or by calling 03 9747 7200, including council’s after-hours service. Tumbleweeds can be disposed of in red-lid bins, while residents are also encouraged to collect and bag weeds where possible to assist with clean-up efforts.
Bagged tumbleweeds can be taken to the Melton Recycling Facility free of charge, or collected by council as soon as practicable.
In response, council crews will remove road hazards where possible, provide additional waste collections to affected properties if required, and use specialist vacuum trucks to clear large volumes of tumbleweed from private land. Council will also continue working with landowners to better manage properties and reduce future tumbleweed and fire risks.
