Metro Trains brings in goats to clear the area near overgrown train stations

Meet the gruff new staff members at Metro Trains. The transport provider has hired a herd of goats and put them to work at one Melbourne train station — this is why.

The goats are unleashed at Belgrave Station. Picture: Jay Town

When it comes to doing the weeding, Metro Trains staff aren’t kidding around at their most overgrown stations.

The rail operator has hired six goats to eat weeds and act as living lawnmowers for the nearby bushland at Belgrave station.

The new clearing squad has been dubbed the “Puffing Billy Goats” and will provide a sustainable way to clear the area without using chemical herbicides that kill native trees.

They have been leased from goat landscaping company GrazeAway, and over the next few months there will be up to 30 goats roaming in the half-hectare site.

Goats will act as living lawnmowers for the nearby bushland at Belgrave Station. Picture: Jay Town

The project aims to look after the area surrounding Metro’s network in an environmentally responsible way. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Metro’s chief operating officer, Catherine Baxter, said the project would protect native bush in the area.

“It’s Metro’s responsibility to run the trains, but we also have a duty to look after the areas touched by our network in an environmentally responsible way,” she said.
“By bringing in goats for weed control, we can allow our native bush to flourish while reducing the need for herbicides, and improve the amenity of the area.”

The operator is also planning to use another set of goats at two sites at Upper Ferntree Gully, with staff hoping the regular weed clearing will also reduce the number of bushfires.

Melbourne authorities have used GrazeAway on many occasions to help improve the amenity of an area. Picture: Jay Town

But the project is not the first time Melbourne authorities have turned to goats to solve their landscaping needs. Knox, Maroondah and Whitehorse councils have all used the GrazeAway business, as have EastLink and Melbourne Water.

GrazeAway owner and founder Colin Arnold said the goats spent most of the year travelling from job to job.

“I’ve got a horticultural background and have seen the impact of chemical herbicides on native plants,” he said.

A grazing goat in action. Picture: Jay Town

GrazeAway owner and founder Colin Arnold said his business had received a recent surge in popularity. Picture: Jay Town

The goats go on the hunt for weeds. Picture: Jay Town

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“I thought there must be a better way and came up with this idea.

“Goats eat most of the weeds we have problems with and spend a lot of money trying to control.”

Mr Arnold said he had been hiring out goats for 16 years but had received a recent surge in popularity.

“In the last two years, we’ve had a big impact,” he said.

Staff have fenced off areas for the goats to roam and the hire company will ensure there is plenty of water, shelter and veterinary care.