The City of Karratha is actively managing vegetation and maintaining public spaces to ensure they remain safe, clean and accessible for everyone. These works are programmed over the year to reduce growth and spread of weeds and grasses. Programs are adjusted seasonally depending on moisture and temperatures that promote seed germination, dispersal and additional growth; or dry conditions that present a higher fire risk.
Day to day weather conditions also impact the City’s program. Spraying herbicides in high wind conditions causes spray drift that may affect non-target plants. Therefore, control methods may need to switch to slashing. During total fire ban periods, machinery cannot be operated across dry grass areas that may present a fire risk. The City’s open drains may not be accessible to machinery when they contain water.
The City aims to maintain the presentation of its public places and will reschedule slashing works for upcoming events and to make areas more accessible for overflow parking. Every effort is made to reduce nuisance during slashing and to work around community activities and event bookings.
Below is an update on our ongoing spraying and slashing efforts:
Post-cyclone recovery
The City continues recovery works following Tropical Cyclones Mitchel and Narelle, with crews focused on restoring landscapes, infrastructure and public spaces across the municipality.
Post-cyclone landscape and tree works
Initial efforts prioritised public safety, with crews clearing fallen trees and branches in town centres and stabilising damaged but recoverable trees. These works were undertaken by small crews using chainsaws, loaders and traffic management. At the same time, teams restored playgrounds and irrigation systems and inspected sports facilities to ensure they were safe for use.
Since late March:
• Approximately 100 medium to large trees have been removed
• 35 trees have been reinstated through pruning, lifting and staking
• Numerous small to medium trees have been cleared
Gardening crews continue working across parks and streets to remove debris and trim damaged vegetation. Contractors have supported works in Wickham and Roebourne, while specialised arborists have managed larger trees requiring elevated equipment.
Green waste has been transported to 7 Mile for recycling into mulch, with additional works including stump removal and irrigation reinstatement along streetscapes.
Works are ongoing, including the removal of severely damaged trees along Dampier Road, while salvageable trees are being pruned and secured to support long-term health.
Replacement planting is planned for the cooler winter months, including replanting areas heavily affected by wind damage and saturated soil conditions. Between June 2025 and December 2025, the City’s gardening team of 16 staff planted approximately 9,000 plants, including over 800 trees.
Vegetation growth and conditions
Successive cyclones have created warm, wet conditions that have accelerated weed growth across the City. Rapid germination has resulted in verges, pathways and drainage areas appearing overgrown within a short period.
Spraying and slashing program
- Mechanical slashing across Karratha was completed last week, commencing in March from the airport and finishing in Bulgarra
- Drainage slashing is currently underway, progressing west to east and approximately halfway complete
- Slashing and spraying in Wickham, Roebourne and Point Samson were completed in March and April, with follow-up works planned
Herbicide spraying is progressing alongside slashing, targeting major and neighbourhood roads, with repeat treatments scheduled following rainfall where required.
Additional measures, including manual removal of weeds such as Kapok and Calthrop, are being undertaken in heavily affected areas.
During school holidays, weed control is prioritised around school access routes and ovals. Over the coming weeks, major sporting ovals will receive autumn weed treatments and liquid fertiliser.
Nature-based campgrounds and overflow caravan areas have been prepared ahead of the 1 May camping season, with ongoing weed management supporting native vegetation regeneration.
Upcoming works
Once works in campgrounds and Roebourne, Wickham and Point Samson are complete, a further round of slashing will commence from late May to early June. Works will begin at the airport and progress through Baynton, Nickol and Millars Well, moving west to east to manage regrowth as conditions begin to dry.
The City is also progressing a slashing services tender to supplement existing resources during periods of accelerated growth.
The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we continue to maintain and improve our public spaces.
If you have concerns about weed management, contact the Parks & Gardens team at: parksandgardens@karratha.wa.gov.au
For further information, please see our Glyphosate FAQs: https://karratha.wa.gov.au/environment/glyphosate-faqs