Township tidy-ups underway

Yarra Ranges Council has launched a township tidy-up initiative. Picture: ON FILE.

Yarra Ranges Council infrastructure teams are conducting additional township tidy-ups across the region to get villages, towns and urban centres in shape for a busy summer.

Council said the extra clean ups are in direct response to feedback from business and community as to what council should prioritise to support re-opening and outdoor activation. Some of the maintenance and clean-up activities will include deep cleaning of footpaths and pathways, weed removal, re-graveling or asphalting bare dirt areas, street furniture tidy-ups or replacements, painting and staining of council furniture, and freshening up of garden beds including mulching and fresh planting as needed.

Council said with Christmas fast approaching, the refreshed streets will be just in time to complement the Yarra Ranges Christmas Window competition.

“While our crews work year-round to keep our townships maintained, we’ve been able to complement our regular work and increase their frequency with additional resources funded by the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund provided by the state government,” Council said.

“Outdoor Activation will play an important role in re-opening our communities to residents and visitors alike. To support our businesses to continue to trade in COVIDsafe ways, additional seating such as the Community Parklets have been installed, and existing footpath trading fees have been waived for the coming year.”

Council officers have been out in the community talking to residents and businesses, getting their feedback and suggestions as to what further initiatives council can support under the outdoor activation scheme.

“We look forward to announcing upcoming activations to bring vibrancy and excitement to our townships and to encourage locals and visitors to support local this festive season.” Council said.