Early in 2019, the Programmed Property Services (PPS) Victorian Open Space team began a contract with Metro Trains Melbourne to maintain newly completed park land beneath the elevated rail line between Caulfield and Yarraman stations.
A gardening crew of three carried out lawn mowing, weed control and maintenance of new garden beds and plants, while a rotating team delivered up to 200,000 litres of water to these areas daily.
As it was an open space, with some areas consisting of basketball courts and swinging seats, safety was the key priority, so it was necessary to put in place a number of procedures, inductions and training programs to ensure zero harm to the community.
Open Space Maintenance Program
Watering began at 6am and ended at 8pm. To cover the entire stretch of grounds each day, our team of licensed staff rotated throughout the day with shifts that went from early morning right into the night. Water was sprayed from a truck with a six metre reach as it was slowly driven along the pathways. In busier places, a spotter for the truck driver was always present.
As the landscape changed along the track, access points also varied and it was crucial for our staff to be thoroughly inducted and briefed on each location. A week-long induction program prior to commencing work allowed every staff member to be familiar with each site, their relevant operational procedures, and the necessary safety precautions.
For instance, the 17km shared path along which the watering truck was driven became narrower in certain places. Servicing those areas required different access points and methods, therefore Programmed staff had to be fully aware of where these places were situated and understood clearly the requirements for carrying out the work properly and safely.
As a result of this stringent focus on safety, PPS received minimal complaints; all thanks to our vigilant staff who were constantly mindful of the need to minimise noise, accommodate foot traffic and work around community activities to ensure safe work in the very public spaces in the sky rail’s vicinity.
Melbourne Skyrail Project Safety FAQs
-
What does public space landscape maintenance involve?
Public space landscape maintenance includes tasks such as lawn mowing, weed control, planting, and regular watering. These services help keep parks, pathways, and community spaces clean, safe, and visually appealing for the public.
-
Why is safety important in public space maintenance?
Safety is critical in public space maintenance to protect both workers and the community. Strict procedures, staff training, and inductions ensure safe operations around high-traffic areas like playgrounds, shared paths, and recreational facilities.
-
How do landscape maintenance teams prepare for complex public sites?
Teams undergo detailed site inductions and training before starting work. This ensures they are familiar with access points, operational procedures, and safety requirements specific to each location—especially for narrow or high-use paths.
-
How do maintenance crews minimise disruption to the public?
Crews minimise disruption by working in shifts that accommodate public usage times, starting early in the morning and ending late in the evening. They are also trained to reduce noise, manage foot traffic, and work around community activities.
