Cleaning contractors employed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council to maintain the public toilets at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens have come under fire after being caught repeatedly driving across the gardens and damaging the grounds.
A concerned local resident initially raised the issue with the council, prompting a temporary stop to the practice. However, the resident recently captured footage showing the contractors continuing to drive over grassed areas, causing visible damage.
Dom Testoni, the council’s director of assets and operations, expressed disappointment over the actions of the contractor’s staff.
“We were disappointed to learn that employees of the cleaning contractor had driven on and damaged the grassed areas while performing their duties,” Mr Testoni said.
“There are designated roads within the gardens for vehicles, including contractors, and we expect these to be used at all times unless specific approval is given by council.”
Mr Testoni said the incident created an unnecessary mess in one of the shire’s most valued public spaces.
“It also posed safety risks for both the contractors and visitors. It is simply unacceptable,” he said.
The council has since taken immediate steps to address the issue with the cleaning contractor.
“We appreciate the community members who brought this to our attention,” Mr Testoni added.
“We have acted swiftly to reinforce our expectations with the contractor and to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.”
