Liam McNally
Tumbleweeds may be rolling back into Melton in the coming weeks and local properties could be impacted.
Residents may recall tumbleweed events that occurred in late 2020 and 2021 where parts of
Aintree, Eynesbury and Hillside were affected when dried weeds swept into yards and roads
by strong winds.
Star weekly reported that the serrated tussock infestation was so severe that they were blocking some Truganina residents from getting in and out of their homes.
Once the wet weather subsides a similar tumbleweed event could occur in parts the Melton municipality over summer.
Council said it has been working with private property owners to help ensure they complete works to control weeds like serrated tussock on their properties and reduce the likelihood of such an event but the wet weather has made this challenging.
In the event of a significant tumbleweed storm affecting a high number of properties, council
will remove road hazards, undertake additional waste collection in affected areas, offer free
drop offs of the seed material at Melton Recycling Facility, and bring in a specialist vacuum
truck to clear the bulk of the material from private properties. Residents can also bag up the
weeds to help with the clean-up.
Melton Mayor Cr Lara Carli said council wants residents to “be alert” of the possibility of a tumbleweed event.
“If there is a significant tumbleweed storm, Council will support with the clean up and we
already have a number of solutions in place.
“We’ve been working with property owners to get their properties cleared of weeds in
preparation but the wet weather, soft ground, a low supply of herbicides has made this
challenging for landowners.
“While the cause of a tumbleweed event is purely related to private properties and not council
land, we are doing everything we can to help minimise any tumbleweed event, and to prepare
ourselves to help clear tumbleweeds for residents if an event occurs.”
