City of Melbourne employs additional staff to keep parks clean through the festive season

December 14, 2020

The City of Melbourne has contracted additional staff to clean parks and gardens this December, as large numbers of people enjoy their Christmas parties outdoors.

Park rangers have observed a huge increase of visitors to our parks in and around the city, as people reconnect and gather outside after months of COVID lockdowns.

On a regular busy weekend pre COVID, City of Melbourne crews usually removed two tonnes of waste. However, over the last three months we have been removing between eight and 10 tonnes of waste on weekends.

Advising that six extra contract staff have been hired to keep city parks and gardens clean and welcoming for Melburnians, Lord Mayor Sally Capp today stated “while we are thrilled that so many people are enjoying our parks and gardens for their Christmas catch-ups and parties, we really need everyone to work with us on keeping our green spaces clean and safe.

“We have brought in 128 additional 240 litre bins in high use parks to respond to the increased demand. We’ve also introduced 18 portaloos at Kings Domain, Carlton Gardens, Fawkner Park, Fitzroy Gardens and Princes Park.

“Our contractor Serco has deployed six additional personnel to collect waste and clean toilets including a senior coordinator on weekends to supervise waste and cleaning crews.

“The Park Ranger Service is working into the early evening to assist anyone who is visiting our parks and gardens but we are asking everyone to please be considerate and tidy up after a picnic or catch up.

“No one wants to see rubbish lying around in our beautiful world-renowned green spaces.”

Park rangers have recently observed marquees being erected in City of Melbourne open spaces, however, they require a permit because they can become dangerous if not properly secured. Slacklines attached to trees are not allowed.

Portable gas barbecues are permitted in parks but must be raised off the turf and be fitted with a drip tray. Gas barbecues must be used in accordance with any restrictions that may apply during the fire danger period. Portable generators may only be used with an event permit.

11th December 2020 - Melbourne’s first pop-up immersive travel attraction opens

10th December 2020 - Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens sees return of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ production for summer school holidays

8th December 2020 - Lockdown use as public open space sees residents call for Melbourne golf course to be repurposed as parkland

10th November 2020 - Victorian attractions and waterparks look to reopening from this weekend

2nd November 2020 - Victorian Government appoints new members to Parks Victoria Board

8th October 2020 - Melbourne Inner city councils welcome funding for integrated bike network

2nd October 2020 - City of Melbourne encourages social distancing by park users

7th September 2020 - Melbourne’s Royal Park seeding initiative aims to produce first indigenous wildflower meadow

25th August 2020 - Melbourne’s Federation Square set for $20 million facelift

9th September 2019 - Latest stage of Melbourne Park redevelopment now complete

27th January 2018 - Report shows littering increase at parks and beaches

22nd September 2015 - City of Melbourne releases concepts for the renewal of University Square

31st August 2015 - Melbourne wins most liveable city title for the fifth year running

26th May 2015 - New York parks commissioner calls for more attractions in Melbourne’s parks

10th April 2015 - Deakin University study into the health benefits of parks

24th June 2014 - Places and open spaces identified as the key to a better Melbourne

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