http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/ser...ervices/mowing



Lawn Mowing Service
Who is eligible?
How do I use the vouchers?
Your rights and responsibilities
Water saving and lawn care tips

There have been some changes to the lawn mowing system. Council has introduced a voucher system for the mowing of lawns, which can be used across the year. The new process will consist of a voucher system, where the customer is given 15 vouchers per year, instead of the previous 10 mows each year at approximately five week intervals. This voucher system will give you greater flexibility and choice about who mows your lawn and when they do it.

Each voucher is worth $20. Council have arranged a discounted price with our list of preferred contractors.
The purpose of the Lawn Mowing Service is to assist with the basic maintenance of yards. This is not a beautification service.
This service is restricted to residents who are considered eligible under the Home Assist Secure and Home & Community Care Programs. This includes frail and elderly people and people with disabilities.
The Lawn Mowing Service aims to give the best possible service to its clients, according to their needs and in light of available resources.
Who is eligible?People who have a moderate to severe disability (of any age) or who are frail and elderly.

To receive the Lawn Mowing Service, a person must be:

In receipt of a full Commonwealth Government pension, and
Have no alternative forms of assistance such as family, friends or other government programs e.g. Veteran Affairs, CACP Packages, etc.
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How do I use the vouchers?Eligible candidates can choose to use more than one voucher, or one voucher and pay the difference per mow. If the eligible candidate chooses to use more than one voucher to cover a mow, they will not receive any change from the contractor.

Under the voucher system, you will:

Have the opportunity to schedule your mowing service at a time that suits you.
Be able to choose the lawn mowing contractor from a list supplied by Home Services that you prefer.
Have the option to change mowing contractors as you feel necessary.
Be able to book the mowing service directly with the preferred contractors instead of through Home Services staff.
Can someone help me work out how often I should have my lawn mowed?
Yes. A staff member from Townsville City Council's Home Services Program will be available to help you plan a lawn mowing schedule on your request. A calendar is also included, which gives you a suggested schedule that you can adapt to suit your needs.

What happens if i need more help because I have a disability or other needs?
You don't have to do this on your own. If you need more help, Home Services staff will be more than happy to assist you to negotiate with contractors and help to organise a lawn mowing schedule that suits you.

What if I can't afford the balance?
If you are finding it difficult to afford the cost of the lawn mowing service, please contact the staff at Home Services and they will be able to help you plan ahead and budget for the service.

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How do I know which contractor to use?
The choice is yours. Along with your vouchers, you will receive a list of pre-approved lawn mowing contractors and the prices they charge for a service. You can then choose the contractor that you prefer and when you need the service. If you need assistance to choose the contractor, please contact the Home Services staff.

What work will the contractor do?
The service provides lawn mowing only. If you need additional work done such as weeding or removal of garden waste this will be an extra charge and you will need to negotiate this with the contractor.

What do I do if I'm not satisfied with the work being done?
If you have any concerns about the way your contractor has done the work and aren't able to resolve it directly with them please contact the Home Services staff. They will help you with any issues that may arise.

Your rights and responsibilitiesYour Rights include:
You will receive clear information about what the service can do for you.
You will be respected and treated honestly in a courteous way.
Information will be kept confidential and private.
You have the right to have your say about the services you receive.
You have the right to make a formal complaint if necessary and receive an answer which is confidential and private.
Your Responsibilities include:
You are required to treat contractors and Council staff with courtesy and respect.
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Water saving and lawn care tipsHome Services has compiled this informative guide to efficient watering practices and lawn care.

Don't over water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every 5-7 days in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter. Good rain elimates the need for watering for as long as two weeks.
Water lawns early morning or late evening when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces water loss from evaporation.
Don't water your street, driveway or sidewalk.
Position your sprinklers so thar your water lands on the lawns and shrubs…not the paved areas.
Install sprinklers that are water-efficient for each use. Micro drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient methods of irrigation.
Water the roots, not the leaves.
Water in short, repeated intervals for best absorption, especially on slopes or compacted soils.
Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut high encourages grass to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
Avoid over-fertilising your lawn. The application of fertilisers increases the need for water. Apply fertilisers that contain slow release, water insoluble form of nitrogen.
Aerate your lawn with a corer or fork, so any water will go to the roots of the grass and not run off.
Minimise grass areas in your yard. Replace grass with water resistant landscaping.
Plant native and/or drought tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.
For more information, contact Home Services on 4727 9000.